Helicobacter system and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter  based preparations comprising a pharmacologically active molecule of interest are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing and using said preparations. In particular,  Helicobacter pylori  vectors, vector plasmids and recombinant cells that include a sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest useful in therapeutic treatments and/or vaccination against disease are provided. Delivery of the pharamacologically active molecules is provided at the mucosal surface, such as the gastric mucosa or nasal membranes, to provide effective and continuous delivery of a pharmacologically active agent. In some embodiments, the  Helicobacter  provides exposure of a desired molecule of interest though the surface of the  Helicobacter , providing exposure of the antigen to the host at the gastric mucosa. Live  Helicobacter pylori  vaccines are also provided. Vectors and shuttle vector constructs of the  Helicobacter  are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/602,859, filed Aug. 20, 2004, and to Australian Patent Application No. 2004/904564, filed Aug. 13, 2004, and to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/202,249, filed Aug. 12, 2005, the text of all applications being specifically incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of Helicobacter-based vector, plasmid vector and shuttle vector systems, as novel Helicobacter constructs that include a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest are provided. The invention also relates to the field of drug delivery, vaccines and treatment methods, as compositions that provide for the administration and/or delivery of non-Helicobacter molecules at the mucosa in vivo are disclosed.

2. Related Art

Helicobacter pylori are a gram-negative spiral shaped bacterium found almost exclusively in the human gastric mucosa. The acidity of the human stomach is an effective barrier to colonization by essentially all bacteria, with the exception of Helicobacter species.

H. pylori have been described as a causative agent of chronic infection. In particular, Helicobacter has been established to play a critical role in peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and primary gastric lymphoma.

H. pylori have the unique ability to colonize and persist for decades within the human gastric mucosa, despite development of a mucosal inflammatory and immune response. This characteristic renders H. pylori an interesting candidate for the delivery of selected agents though the mucosa. However, this particular application has not found application in mucosal delivery systems in part owing to its involvement in a variety of diseases. A need continues to exist for a delivery system employing these important organisms having a reduced risk of pathology to the host.

The development of mucosal vaccines has also been hindered by the poor immunogenicity of antigens delivered by conventional approaches because of natural barrier functions of the host that prevent access to the mucosal compartment. Hence, a need continues to exist in the medical arts for improved delivery mechanisms for pharmacologically active molecules at the mucosal surface sufficient to elicit a useful and beneficial immunogenic response. Such would provide an effective in vivo delivery system for pharmacological active agents, as well as an effective method for immunization, i.e., antigen exposure at a mucosal surface sufficient to elicit a general humoral and mucosal immune response.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to overcoming the above-mentioned challenges and others related to the use of Helicobacter and in the treatment of disease. The present invention is exemplified in a number of implementations and applications, some of which are summarized below.

In accordance with some aspects, compositions, methods and systems are provided for preparing and using a Helicobacter-based construct comprising a Helicobacter sequence having a promoter region and a non-Helicobacter sequence encoding a non-Helicobacter molecule of interest. This construct in some embodiments is described as a vector or a plasmid vector, wherein the promoter sequence is capable of controlling the expression of the non-Helicobacter sequence encoding a molecule of interest.

Helicobacter Constructs:

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a Helicobacter construct, particularly a Helicobacter pylori nucleic acid construct. In some embodiments, the Helicobacter nucleotide sequence of the Helicobacter construct comprises a first Helicobacter sequence, Y1, a second Helicobacter sequence Y2, and a non-Helicobacter sequence X encoding a non-Helicobacter molecule of interest. A schematic of one embodiment of this construct appears in Formula 1:

The non-Helicobacter. nucleotide sequence of interest, “X”, may comprise a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a pharmacologically active and/or biologically active molecule of interest. In some embodiments, the non-Helicobacter sequence X is heterologous to the Helicobacter pylori species. A pharmacologically active molecule of interest or a biologically active molecule of interest may comprise an enzyme, protein, peptide, or other molecule. This molecule of interest may be further described in some embodiments as capable of providing a beneficial and/or therapeutic effect to an animal delivered as an expressed product from a recombinant Helicobacter containing the construct that is introduced into an animal. In some embodiments, the molecule of interest is ghrelin, amylin or an analog thereof.

In some embodiments, the construct comprises a first Helicobacter sequence Y1 defined as a first portion of a native HopE gene sequence, a second Helicobacter sequence Y2 defined as a second portion of a native HopE gene sequence, and a non-H. pylori nucleotide sequence of interest, “X”. By way of example, one such construct has a structure defined as: 580 bp HopE—“X” bp—502 bp HopE. In some embodiments, “X” is a nucleic acid sequence comprising 60 nucleotide bases to 300 nucleotide bases, or 69 nucleotide bases to 138 nucleotide bases.

In some embodiments, the Helicobacter construct comprises a construct as depicted in FIG. 7.

In other embodiments, Helicobacter construct is further defined as an attenuated Helicobacter pylori construct.

The H. pylori nucleic acid construct may further comprise, in some embodiments, a promoter sequence, a secretory sequence and/or a reporter gene sequence. In particular embodiments, a recombinant cell transformed with the Helicobacter construct is provided. In some embodiments, these recombinant cells are recombinant E. coli cells or H. pylori cells.

In some aspects, the Helicobacter-based vector and vector plasmid constructs that contain the Helicobacter construct comprise a pharmacologically active molecule of interest defined as an antigen, organic or inorganic molecule or substance, a pharmacologically active agent, e.g. a therapeutic agent or prophylactic agent, such as a gene product or gene sequence (isolated nucleic acid). By way of example, such pharmacologically active molecules of interest may comprise an immunoregulatory agent, hormone, ligand, an enzyme, or an antisense RNA, a catalytic RNA, a protein, peptide or any other molecule. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule may be further described as comprising cDNA, genomic DNA, RNA, or a hybrid molecule thereof. In particular embodiments, the nucleic acid is cDNA. In some embodiments, the vector construct is pTM103-8.

By way of example, a protein and/or peptide of interest may comprise ghrelin, amylin, insulin, motilin, β-glucosidase, a chemical chaperone, or other molecule useful in the treatment and/or management of Gauchers disease, cell wasting, human immunodeficiency disease (AIDS), appetite suppression, preparations useful in the treatment of diabetes, etc.

Recombinant Cells:

In other aspects, a composition comprising a recombinant cell is provided comprising cells transformed with the plasmid vectors and/or vectors that include a Helicobacter construct as described herein. In some embodiments, the recombinant cell comprises a sequence encoding a non-Helicobacter pylori pharmacologically active molecule of interest. In other embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the non-Helicobacter pylori pharmacologically active molecule of interest comprises a secretory signal polypeptide. In some embodiments, the recombinant cell is capable of secreting an expressed product corresponding to the non-Helicobacter molecule of interest at the surface of the recombinant cell. In this manner, the expressed product of the molecule of interest may be delivered at or through the mucosal surface of an animal, such as at the intestinal mucosa. In some embodiments the recombinant cell is a recombinant Helicobacter pylori cell such as a Helicobacter strain 26695 or B 128.

Pharmaceutical Preparations:

The present invention provides a variety of pharmaceutically acceptable preparations formulated for delivery to a patient, such as, for example, delivery gastrically, orally, or intranasaly. In particular embodiments, the compositions are suitable for delivery at a mucosal surface. In particular embodiments, the composition is suitable for delivery to the mucosal surface or lining. In some embodiments, the mucosal surface is the gastric mucosal surface.

The various delivery forms of the compositions are readily prepared for use in the practice of the present invention given the specific types and ratios of specific Helicobacter, Helicobacter constructs and other delivery vehicles described herein, and those formulation techniques known to those in the formulary arts, such as are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20^(th) edition, Mack Publishing Company, which text is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

It is envisioned that the delivery system may be employed in animals, particularly primates, including humans, equines, bovines, ovines, and rodents, fish and birds. It is also anticipated that the preparations may be used on both infants and adults, as well as parentally or for administration to pregnant or lactating animals. The preparations and methods may be further described as suitable for both male and female animals.

Vaccines:

In some embodiments, the composition is further defined as a vaccine in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier solution. As part of a vaccine, the composition comprising the Helicobacter construct is introduced into an animal in a manner such that the expressed product, i.e., the molecule of interest “X”, is capable of making contact with or at a mucosal surface of an animal. By way of example, a mucosal surface of an animal may include the gastric mucosa, the nasal mucosa, etc.

In some embodiments, the Helicobacter based vaccine comprises cells transformed with a Helicobacter based construct, such as a plasmid vector as described herein. By way of example, the cells transformed with the Helicobacter based plasmid vector may comprise E. coli cells or Helicobacter pylori cells. In some embodiments, the vaccine may be further defined as a live attenuated vaccine. In particular embodiments, the composition will include an adjuvant. In some embodiments, the vaccine is capable of providing delivery of the non-Helicobacter molecule of interest at a mucosal surface.

Vaccination/Immunization:

In yet another aspect, a method is provided for vaccinating an animal. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering a composition comprising a vaccine comprising cells transformed with the Helicobacter-based vector and/or plasmid vectors as described herein. In other embodiments, the method provides for the delivery of an effective amount of the pharmacologically active molecule of interest sufficient to eliminate or inhibit a disease or particular physiological and/or pathological condition in the animal, or sufficient to elicit an immune response specific for the pharmacologically active molecule of interest.

By way of example, the non-Helicobacter molecule of interest that may be provided to an animal in the vaccine preparations of the present invention may comprise a mammalian or non-mammalian protein, peptide, enzyme, hormone, or any combination of these. In particular embodiments, the molecule of interest is further defined as a pharmacologically active molecule of interest that is a human pharmacologically active molecule of interest. In some embodiments the pharmacologically active molecule of interest is a human pathogen molecule/antigen, human protein antigen, such as amylin or an analog or derivative thereof, ghrelin, or an analog or derivative thereof.

In particular embodiments, the vaccines of the present invention provides immunity and/or an enhancement of disease resistance to the human pathogen, Ebola virus, HIV virus, Marburg virus, influenza virus, and the like. Replication competent vaccines based on attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vectors have been described by Jones et al. (2005)⁴³ that include Ebola glycoprotein and Marburg glycoprotein. Hence, vaccine preparations containing constructs of the Helicobacter-based vector systems and plasmid vector systems described herein, with these and other glycoproteins associated with human pathogens, may also be provided according to the present invention.

In another aspect, a method of immunizing an animal is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a composition comprising the Helicobacter vaccine as described herein to an animal and administering to the animal an effective amount of the composition sufficient to elicit an acceptable immune response in the animal. In some embodiments, the acceptable immune response is elicited upon the administration of a treatment regimen comprising one or more effective doses of the composition. These methods may be used in veterinary immunization as well as in the immunization of humans.

The following nucleic acid and amino acid sequences are referenced throughout the description of the present invention:

-   SEQ ID NO: 1—Nucleotide sequence of plasmid pHP1 (2796 nucleotides)     +ve strand. -   SEQ ID NO: 2—Nucleotide sequence of pHP1 (2796 nucleotides) −ve     strand. -   SEQ ID NO: 3—Nucleotide sequence of plasmid pHP3 (3444 nucleotides). -   SEQ ID NO: 4—Hepatitis C virus antigen (HCV) nucleotide Sequence     (580 nucleotides). -   SEQ ID NO: 5—Nucleotide sequence 135 bp (45 amino acids) immunogenic     coding sequence from the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen. -   SEQ ID NO: 6—Nucleotide sequence (1108 nucleotides) of the surface     exposed loop of the HopE gene (at nt504, aa position 168) of H.     pylori. -   SEQ ID NO: 7—Upsteam primer (29 nucleotides). -   SEQ ID NO: 8—Downstream Primer (28 nucleotides). -   SEQ ID NO: 9—Oligonucleotide Primer (15 nucleotides).     -   Nucleotide sequence of H. pylori insertion construct, HopE gene         with nucleotide sequence of interest, “X”. (580 bp HopE—“X”         bp—502 bp HopE). The nucleotide sequence of interest, “X”, may         comprise a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a molecule of         interest, such as a biologically valuable molecule of interest.         A biologically valuable molecule of interest may comprise an         enzyme, protein, peptide, or other molecule that is capable of         providing a beneficial or therapeutic effect to an animal as         delivered as an expressed product though or at a mucosal         surface, such as the gastric mucosa. In some embodiments, “X” is         a nucleic acid sequence comprising 60 nucleotide bases to 150         nucleotide bases, or 69 nucleotide bases to 138 nucleotide         bases.     -   Nucleotide sequence for fusion protein of HopE and p60,         insertion of p60 nucleic acid sequence (23 amino acids) at         nucleic acid position 504 (corresponding to amino acid (aa)         position 168) in HopE sequence.     -   Nucleotide sequence for fusion protein of HopE and HCCA,         insertion of HCCA nucleic acid sequence (46 amino acids) at         nucleic acid position 504 (corresponding to amino acid (aa)         position 168) in HopE nucleic acid sequence.     -   nucleic acid sequence for p60 (69 nucleotide bases).     -   nucleic acid sequence for HCCA (138 nucleotide bases).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, illustrates the vector constructs, pHPA1 (2.8 kb).

FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, presents a schematic diagram of the plasmid construct pHP3 (3.4 kb).

FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, illustrates the vector construct, pTM103-8.

FIG. 4, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, illustrates the chemical structure of sulfasalazine (SSN).

FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, illustrates a schematic using an ion exchange resin (Amberlite XE-96) conjugated with a dye (Azure-A).

FIG. 6, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, illustrates the predicted structure of HopE (SEQ ID NO: 55), showing the insertion site for a sequence of interest, such as a nucleic acid sequence encoding HCCA or p60 epitopes. Adapted from Bina and associates, which reference is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, illustrates recombinant DNA molecules produced using SOE PCR. DNA coding either the HCCA or p60 epitope was inserted into hopE at the position corresponding to aa 168 of HopE. To allow homologous recombination, and replacement of the genomic copy of hopE in H. pylori, sequences homologous to genomic hopE were included flanking the insertion site for epitope coding DNA.

FIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, provides a diagrammatic representation of recombinant genes in H. pylori. Column A: Antigen (Ag) coding DNA was inserted into hopE at position corresponding to aa 168, within a region corresponding to a putative surface expose loop; Column B: Antigen coding DNA was inserted at the cagA at the 5′ terminus directly upstream of the cagA stop condon; Column C: B 128 vacA was replaced DNA Coding the 26695 vacA promoter sequence, signal sequence (ss), mature (m) vacA, passenger domain and autotransporter (AT) domain. Antigen coding DNA was inserted directly upstream of the signal sequence.

FIG. 9, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, provides a Western Blot analysis of H. pylori B128 (7,13) containing HCCA (B128:HCCA:hopE, Blot A. 1° antibody: α-HopE; 2° antibody; α-rabbit—AP conjugate, Lane 1: marker; Lane 2: B128; Lane 3: B128:HCCA:hopE; Lane 4: B128:p60:hopE. Blot B: 1° antibody: α-HCCA; 2° antibody; α-mouse—AP-conjugate. Lane 1: marker; Lane 2: B128:HCCA; hopE; Lane 3: B128. Blot C. 1° antibody: α-p60; 2° antibody; α-mouse—Ap conjugate (2° antibody). Lane 1: marker; Lane 2: B128:p60:hopE; Lane 3: B128. The white arrow indicates the band corresponding to either HopE or fusion protein.

FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, presence an immunofluorescence based microscopy analysis of H. pylori B128 containing HCCA inserted into HopE (B128:HCCA:hopE). Upper Row: Phase contrast microscopy; Lower Row: Fluorescence microscopy. Column A: H. pylori B128. 1° antibody: α-HopE; 2° antibody; α-rabbit Alexafluor 488 (AF-488). Column B: H. pylori B128. 2° antibody; α-rabbit AF-488. Column C. H. pylori B128. 1° antibody: α-HCCA; 2° antibody: α-mouse AF-488. Column D: H. pylori B128:HCCA:hopE. 2° antibody: α-mouse AF-488. Column E. H. pylori B128:HCCA-hopE. 1° antibody: α-HCCA: 2° antibody: α-mouse AF-488.

FIG. 11, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, presence a whole cell based ELISA analysis of recombinant H. pylori 26695 and B128 (7.13). Column A: Recombinants 26695:HCCA:hopE or 26695:p60:hopE; Column B: Recombinants B128:HCCA:hopE B128:p60:hopE; Detection of p60 antigen: 1° antibody: α-p60; 2° antibody: α-mouse-alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugate; Detection of HCCA: 1° antibody: α-HCCA; 2° antibody: α-mouse-AP conjugate. Error bars: SEM (n=3).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of different types of bacterial and vaccine constructs that include a Helicobacter or Helicobacter-based vector system of delivery. It is advantageous to define several terms before describing the invention.

While the present invention is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the invention may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.

Description

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified methods and may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to be limiting which will be limited only by the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, publications mentioned herein are cited for the purpose of describing and disclosing the protocols, reagents and vectors which are reported in the publications and which might be used in connection with the invention. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

Furthermore, the practice of the present invention employs, unless otherwise indicated, conventional immunological and molecular biological techniques and pharmacology within the skill of the art. Such techniques are well known to the skilled worker, and are explained fully in the literature. See, e.g., Coligan et al., (Current Protocols in Protein Science (1999) Volume I and II (John Wiley & Sons Inc.); Sambrook et al., (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd & 3rd Editions. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory press (1989) (2001); and Bailey, S F. and Ollis, D. F., Biochemical Engineering, Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill Book Company, NY, 1986.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a nucleic acid” includes a plurality of such nucleic acids, and a reference to “an isolated peptide” is a reference to one or more peptides, and so forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any materials and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are now described.

Delivery of therapeutic compositions and nucleic acids to specific target sites within the animal body is an ongoing challenge faced by the drug development industry. The present inventor has developed a Helicobacter-based bacterial delivery system capable of carrying vectors encoding biologically active agents, wherein these agents are expressed on the surface of the bacterium or secreted there from. In one embodiment, the bacterium is a species of Helicobacter, H. pylori. In some embodiments, the strain of H. pylori can be any strain known in the field. In some embodiments, the H. pylori strain is a non-pathogenic strain such as genomic strain 26695. Another strain that may be used is H. pylori strain B128, particularly variant 7.13.

In another embodiment, a bacterium, other than Helicobacter, is utilized wherein the bacterium has been genetically altered such that it has Helicobacter or H. pylori features including the ability to chronically colonize the gastric mucosa or other areas of gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, bronchial epithelium or other mucosal surface, without significant toxicity to the host.

In one embodiment, the H. pylori have been manipulated so that some of the pathogenic features have been removed and/or attenuated. For example, the vacuolating cytotoxin and the cag pathogenicity island genes can be removed so that the H. pylori are less pathogenic. Attenuating mutations can be introduced into Helicobacter using non-specific mutagenesis either chemically, using N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoquanidine, or using recombinant DNA technologies.

The skilled person will appreciate that the methods of the present invention could be used to deliver biologically active agents. Examples of suitable agents include ones which are capable of functioning locally or systemically, e.g., an agent capable of exerting endocrine activities affecting local or whole-body metabolism and/or an agent which is capable of regulating the activities of cells belonging to the immuno/hematopoeitic system and or an agent which is capable of affecting the viability, growth and differentiation of a variety of normal or neoplastic cells in the body or affecting the immune regulation or induction of acute phase inflammatory responses to injury and infection and/or an agent which is capable of enhancing or inducing resistance to infection of cells and tissues mediated by chemokines acting on their target cell receptors, or the proliferation of epithelial cells or the promotion of wound healing and/or an agent which modulates the expression or production of substances by cells in the body.

Specific examples of such biologically active agents include insulin, growth hormone, prolactin, calcitonin, luteinizing hormone, parathyroid hormone, somatostatin, thyroid stimulating hormone, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, a structural group 1 cytokine adopting an antiparallel 4 α helical bundle structure such as IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, CM-CSF, M-CSF, SCF, IFN-γ, EPO, G-CSF, LIF, OSM, CNTF, GH, PRL or IFN α/β, a structural group 2 cytokine which are often cell-surface associated, form symmetric homotrimers and the subunits take up the conformation of β-jelly roll described for certain viral coat proteins such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines, e.g. TNF α, TNF β, CD40, CD27 or FAS ligands, the IL-1 family of cytokines, the fibroblast growth factor family, the platelet derived growth factors, transforming growth factor β and nerve growth factors, a structural group 3 cytokine comprising short chain α/β molecules, which are produced as large transmembrane pre-cursor molecules which each contain at least one EGF domain in the extracellular region, e.g., the epidermal growth factor family of cytokines, the chemokines characterized by their possession of amino acid sequences grouped around conserved cysteine residues (the C—C or C—X—C chemokine subgroups) or the insulin related cytokines, a structural group 4 cytokine which exhibit mosaic structures such as the heregulins or neuregulins composed of different domains, e.g., EGF, immunoglobulin-like and kringle domains.

Alternatively, the biologically active agent can be a receptor or antagonist for biologically active agent as defined above.

In some embodiments, the H. pylori-based vector and/or vector plasmid construct is employed to create a transformed cell (such as an E. coli cell or Helicobacter cell) that permits the expression and secretion of a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest at the mucosal membrane of a host to which the transformed cell preparation is administered. The isolated nucleic acid molecule contained within the transformed cell (or vector) may comprise one or more nucleic acid constructs in which nucleic acid encoding the pharmacologically active molecule of interest is under control of H. pylori regulatory sequences.

Suitable vectors and shuttle vector sequences can be chosen or constructed to contain appropriate regulatory sequences, including promoter sequences, terminator fragments, enhancer sequences, marker genes and other sequences as appropriate. Vectors may be plasmids, viral, e.g. phage, or phagemid, as appropriate. For further details, for example, see Sambrook et al., supra. Many techniques and protocols are known for the manipulation of nucleic acid, for example in preparation of nucleic acid constructs, mutagenesis, sequencing, introduction of DNA into cells and gene expression, and analysis of proteins, as described in detail in Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, Second Edition, Ausubel et al. eds., John Wiley & Sons, 1992. The disclosures of Sambrook et al. supra and Ausubel et al. are incorporated specifically herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the coding sequence(s) for the pharmacologically active molecules of interest is contained in an operon, i.e., a nucleic acid construct for multi-cistronic expression. In an operon, transcription from the promoter results in a mRNA which comprises more than one coding sequence, each with its own suitably positioned ribosome binding site upstream. Thus, more than one agent (pharmacologically active molecule of interest) can be translated from a single mRNA. Use of an operon enables expression of the pharmacologically active molecule of interest to be coordinated.

A nucleic acid construct or vector comprising a coding sequence for a pharmacologically active molecule of interest is preferably under the control of a promoter for expression in H. pylori.

In one embodiment, the promoter employed in accordance with the present invention is expressed constitutively in H. pylori. Use of a constitutive promoter avoids the need to supply an inducer or other regulatory signal for expression to take place. Preferably, the promoter directs expression at a level at which the H. pylori host cell remains viable, i.e., retains some metabolic activity, even if growth may be reduced. Advantageously then, such expression may be at a low level. For example, where the expression product accumulates intracellularly, the level of expression may lead to accumulation of the expression product at less than about 10% of cellular protein, preferably about or less than about 5%, for example about 1-3%.

In some embodiments, a method is provided comprising delivering a messenger nucleic acid sequence, such as an mRNA sequence, corresponding to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a molecule of interest to an animal. By way of example, such a messenger nucleic acid sequence (mRNA) corresponding to a therapeutic peptide, protein, hormone or pro-hormone may be prepared so as to provide a peptide, protein, or hormone to the animal upon expression of that messenger nucleic acid sequence in the animal. For example, such a hormone may be insulin, and such a pro-hormone may be pro-insulin. Thus, it is envisioned that the present invention has application as a gene therapy method for the treatment of human disease, such as for the treatment of diabetes.

The promoter may be homologous to the H. pylori strain employed, i.e. one found in that strain of H. pylori in nature. In some embodiments, the promoter is an arabinose inducible promoter. Other promoters include FlaB sigma 54 promoter (Josenhans et at., 1998, FEMS Microbiol Lett, 161(2): 263-73), T7 promoter, and nir B promoter of Salmonella (Chatfield et al., 1992, Biotechnology, 10(8): 888-92).

In another embodiment the promoter is inducible. Inducible promoters that may be used with clinical grade vectors include, but are not limited to, an inducible promoter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,194 issued to Kullen et at., a lactose inducible promoter such, as that used in E. coli plasmids (e.g., pBluescript™ from Stratagene) or the endogenous lactose promoter in Lactobacillus, and promoters induced during anaerobic growth, such as the promoter for alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE), as described in Aristarkhov et at., (1999) J. Bacteriology, 178(14), 4327-4332).

In one embodiment, the constructs of the present invention also include a toxic gene. These toxic genes are preferably under the control of an inducible promoter so that, on completion of treatment, the Helicobacter can be readily eliminated by inducing the expression of the toxic gene. Non-limiting examples of toxic genes include bacterial autolysins under the control of an inducible promoter. The autolysing gene may then be triggered at the appropriate time and place in the gastrointestinal tract through the use of one or more of the inducible promoters as described herein.

In some embodiments, the engineered Helicobacter vector and plasmid vector constructs are sensitive to oxygen. This oxygen sensitivity is another method for limiting dissemination of the clinical grade vectors of the present invention. The environment of the human gut is very low in oxygen, suitable for growth of anaerobic and microacrophulic microorganisms, including Helicobacter. Thus, an efficient means of eliminating Helicobacter, once they have exited the human body upon discharge of intestinal waste into the oxygen-rich outside environment, is to engineer genes into the transformed microorganisms that confer oxygen sensitivity.

The nucleic acid construct or constructs of the present invention may also comprise a secretory signal sequence. Thus, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the pharmacologically active molecule of interest (for example, a non-Helicobacter polypeptide) may provide for secretion of the molecule at a cell membrane by appropriately coupling a nucleic acid sequence encoding a secretory signal sequence to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the molecule (polypeptide). The ability of Helicobacter harboring the nucleic acid to secrete the polypeptide may be tested in vitro in culture conditions, which maintain viability of the Helicobacter.

Suitable secretory signal sequences include any of those with activity in Gram negative organisms such as Escherichia, Klebsiella and Salmonella. Secretory signal sequences include the Staphylokinase enzyme secreted by some strains of Staphylococcus, which is known to function in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative hosts (see “Gene Expression Using Bacillus”, Rapoport (1990), Current Opinions in Biotechnology, 1:21-27).

Other secretory signal sequences that can be used include, for example, the β-lactamase gene (Talmadge et at., 1980, Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA 77:3369-3373) or the enteroinvasive E. coli hemolysin A (hlyA) (Su et at., 1992, Microbial Pathogen, 13:465-476). An illustrative list of secretory signal sequences is presented in Pugsley, 1988, Protein secretion across the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. In: Protein Transfer and Organelle Biogenesis, R. C. Dand and P. W. Robbins (eds). Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, pp 607-652.

Selectable markers provide researchers and technicians a convenient means for distinguishing transformed microorganisms from non-transformed ones in a mixed population. One means of identifying transformed organism is to incorporate a selectable marker nucleic acid sequence into the plasmid containing the gene of interest. The selectable marker sequence is generally inserted downstream of the gene of interest and is driven off the same promoter. As a result, cells successfully transformed with the gene of interest will also be transformed with the selectable marker nucleic acid sequence. When antibiotic resistance is used as the selectable marker, only transformed cells will survive and/or grow in media containing the antibiotic.

Thus, antibiotic resistance is a convenient and much used phenotype when developing transformants. However; vectors having antibiotic resistant genes as selective markers are capable of horizontal gene transfer that can endow other organisms with antibiotic-resistant phenotypes. This risk is especially acute when Helicobacter is used as part of a therapeutic vector.

In order to use Helicobacter as a gene delivery system to animals, the present disclosure presents, in some embodiments, a clinical grade vector system that does not use an antibiotic selection marker. One of the alternatives to using antibiotic resistance genes provided by the present delivery systems includes clinical grade vectors having chromosomal deletions or lethal mutations in a “house-keeping” gene. Next, a functional analogous house-keeping gene is inserted into a plasmid encoding for the pharmacologically active molecule of interest. Consequently, the house-keeping gene becomes the selectable marker allowing for the rapid isolation and identification of transformants.

Examples of “house keeping genes” include genes that encode for any number of metabolic regulators and/or enzymes including, but not limited to kinases, proteases, synthetases, dehydrogenases and others. Another alternative to antibiotic resistance genes provided by the present invention includes clinical grade vectors having reporter genes incorporated into the plasmid containing the gene encoding for the pharmacologically active molecule of interest. Other examples of reporter genes used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention include Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), β-galactosidase and amylase.

In one embodiment, the pharmacologically active molecule of interest has cytokine activity. Cytokines are discussed in The Cytokine Facts Rook, Callard and Gearing (1994), Academic Press. Preferred molecules, such as polypeptides with cytokine activity are interleukins, including Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6).

In some embodiments, the Helicobacter vector and plasmid vector systems comprise a nucleic acid construct as described above that is introduced into a Helicobacter or other suitable host cell, to provide transformed cells. Thus, a further aspect provides a method comprising introducing nucleic acid as disclosed into a non-pathogenic Helicobacter. Transformation of a culture of host cells, such as Helicobacter, may employ any available technique. For H. pylori cells, suitable techniques may include calcium chloride transformation, electroporation and transfection using bacteriophage.

The introduction of the plasmid vector into a Helicobacter cell may be followed by causing or allowing expression from the nucleic acid, e.g., by culturing H. pylori under conditions suitable for expression of the gene. Growing the Helicobacter in culture under conditions for expression of the pharmacologically active molecule of interest may be employed to verify that the Helicobacter contain the encoding nucleic acid and is able to produce the encoded molecule.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivering a therapeutic or prophylactic dose of a biologically active agent in vivo, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of the non-pathogenic preparation of the H. pylori compositions and vaccines of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the methods of the present invention and the use of a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as described herein provide a wide range of therapeutic methods which would enable the skilled person to manipulate, for instance, the immune response of a subject. Thus, in one aspect, a method of regulating the survival, growth, differentiation, effector functions or susceptibility to infection of cells or tissues is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as defined herein.

In another aspect, a method of boosting an immune response against tumor cells or an infection colonizing a mucosal surface or adjacent or distant tissue is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as defined herein.

In yet another aspect, a method of modulating the type of immune response (antibody versus cell-mediated) against a pathogenic infectious agent is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as defined herein.

In another aspect, a method of modulating the infiltration of normal tissues with inflammatory or tumor cells is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as defined herein.

In some aspects, a method of controlling the rate of growth, rate of invasion or survival of tumor cells is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as defined herein.

In yet another aspect, a method of inducing apoptosis in tumor cells is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter as defined herein.

Other aspects provide for a method of down-regulating an immune response which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic bacterium which expresses a pharmacologically active molecule of interest as defined herein.

In another aspect, a method of treating an allergic autoimmune or other immune dysregulative disease state is provided which comprises administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic Helicobacter which expresses a pharmacologically active molecule of interest.

The subject can be any primate, equine, bovine, porcine, ovine, rodent, fish, or bird. In one embodiment, the subject is human. Administration may conveniently be nasal or oral.

In a therapeutic context, i.e., where the pharmacologically active molecule of interest is a biologically active agent that provides a beneficial effect to the subject, the amount of the agent and/or treatment regimen will preferably be provided in a “therapeutically effective amount”, this being sufficient to show benefit to a subject. Such benefit may be at least amelioration or a reduction in the severity or occurrence of at least one symptom. In a prophylactic context, the amount may be sufficient to reduce the deleterious effect on the subject of a subsequent pathogenic challenge, for instance by enhancing the immune response. The actual amount administered, and rate and time-course of administration will depend on the aim of the administration, e.g., the biological effect sought in view of the nature and severity of the challenge, and is the subject of routine optimization. Prescription of treatment, including prophylactic vaccination, for example, decisions on dosage etc, is within the responsibility of general practitioners and other medical doctors.

A composition comprising Helicobacter may be administered in accordance with the present invention alone or in combination with other treatments, either simultaneously or sequentially.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Helicobacter as disclosed. Such a pharmaceutical composition is in one embodiment preferably suitable for application to a mucosal membrane.

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention, and for use, may comprise, in addition to the Helicobacter, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier, buffer, stabilizer or other materials well known to those skilled in the art. Such materials should be non-toxic and should not interfere with the efficacy of the pharmacologically active molecule of interest. The nature of the carrier or other material may depend on the route of administration. For oral administration a parenterally acceptable aqueous solution may be employed which is pyrogen-free and has suitable pH, isotonicity and stability. Those of relevant skill in the art are well able to prepare suitable solutions. Preservatives, stabilizers, buffers, antioxidants and/or other additives may be included, as required. As discussed, a pharmaceutical comprising a Helicobacter for administration in accordance with the present invention may comprise one or more nutrient substances, e.g., an energy source such as glucose, amino acids and so on.

In another aspect, a method of manufacture of a pharmaceutical formulations provided comprising formulating Helicobacter as disclosed with a suitable carrier medium suitable for administration to an individual. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is suitable for application to a mucosal membrane of an individual.

In yet another aspect, a non-pathogenic Helicobacter expressing a heterologous pharmacologically active molecule of interest for pharmaceutical use is provided, e.g., for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy, including prophylaxis (“vaccination”).

In one embodiment the method can be used to treat, prevent or palliate a disease such as cancer. The methods and delivery system can also be used to treat or prevent a disease or condition of the immune/hematopoietic system, a disease or condition of the reproductive system, a disease or condition of the musculoskeletal system, a disease or condition of the cardiovascular system, a disease or condition described as mixed fetal, a disease or condition of the excretory system, a disease or condition of the neural/sensory system, a disease or condition of the endocrine system, a disease or condition of the respiratory system, a disease or condition of the digestive system and a disease or condition associated with connective/epithelial tissue or disease or condition caused by bacterial, viral or parasitic infection.

In another embodiment, the Helicobacter delivery system described herein is capable of concomitant or sequential delivery of a number of different nucleic acid molecules, which encode products capable of treating a number of conditions or diseases described herein. Moreover, preferred delivery systems would also deliver compositions capable of producing additional desirable physiological effects such as appetite suppression or enhancement.

An example of suicide system in H. pylori has been described by Panthel et al. 2003 (Infection & Immunity, 71: 109-116). This system introduces a plasmid into H. pylori which contains the PhiX174 lysis gene E. To eradicate the strain, incubation at 42° C. for 5 hours was used. In vivo this would mean that the animal would consume a drink at 45-50° C. to raise the temperature of the gastric environment above 42° C.

A second example is the L-Dap selection system, commonly used to allow survival of bacterial mutants on supplemented plates (see, for example, Kirata et al. 1997 (Infection & Immunity, 65: 4158-4164)). In this system the animal subject must supplement their diet with a missing substrate i.e., diamino-pimelic-acid (DAP), in order for the DapE deficient H. pylori mutant to survive. In order to eradicate the mutants, DAP consumption is ceased.

A third possible system relates to metronidazole sensitivity of H. pylori because of its rdxA gene. Excessive replication of the rdxA gene is harmful to mammalian cells and E. coli. However, duplication may be tolerated by the bacterium. Therefore a Helicobacter species of the present invention can be engineered to contain two copies of rdxA which prevents the normal mutation-dependant rdxA loss. The introduction of at least two functional rdxA genes into the Helicobacter genome will result in a Helicobacter strain that is permanently sensitive to metronidazole. Jeong et al. 2000 (J. Bacteriol., 182: 5082-5090) showed that the nitroreductase produced by a functional rdxA gene converts metronidazole from a prodrug to a bactericidal compound. The mode of action of the active compound is to cause DNA breaks of the Helicobacter genome.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Definitions:

Prior to setting forth the invention, it may be helpful to an understanding thereof to set forth definitions of certain terms that will be used hereinafter.

The term “a” and “the” as used in the present descriptive is intended to include both one (the singular) and more than one (plural).

The phrase, “effective level” refers to the level of the desired activity of the pharmacologically active molecule of interest and not necessarily limited to the number of molecules. For example, the effective level of amylin (as an exemplary pharmacologically active molecule of interest) may be decreased to stimulate ghrelin secretion by using amylin antagonists, without a necessary concomitant decrease in the amount of free amylin present in a subject.

An “antibiotic resistance gene” as defined herein includes heterologous nucleic acid sequences purposely provided to a vector and used as a selection system. The term “antibiotic resistance gene” does not include other mechanisms or genes that impart antibiotic resistance to naturally occurring micro-flora organisms.

The term “attenuated” as used herein for example to describe a bacterial strain, particularly an E. coli or a Helicobacter strain such as Helicobacter pylori, is defined as a strain that is less virulent and/or toxic (invasive) that a native, wild type bacterial strain.

The term “biologically active” as used herein refers to ability to perform a biological function and with reference to a polypeptide implies that the polypeptide adopts a stable conformation (“folded form”) which is the same or closely analogous to its native conformation. When folded correctly or substantially correctly, for example with formation of proper folded units' α-helices, β-sheets, domains, disulphide bridges etc., a polypeptide should have the ability to perform its natural function. Generally, the unit of function in a polypeptide is a domain.

“Clinical grade vector” as used herein means a plasmid or other expression vector that is capable of being expressed in Helicobacter or a non-pathogenic bacterium engineered to have features of Helicobacter. The clinical grade vectors of the present invention do not use antibiotic resistance markers for selection and/or have been modified to prevent replication outside the host e.g., such as a suicide vector.

“Detectable immune response” as used herein is either an antibody (humoral) or cytotoxic (cellular) response formed in an animal in response to an antigen that can be measured using routine laboratory methods including, but not limited to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), radio-immune assays (RIA), Enzyme-linked ImmunoSPOT (ELISPOT), immunofluorescence assays (IFA), complement fixation assays (CF), Western Blot (WB) or an equivalent thereto.

“Gene of interest” as used herein refers to any nucleic acid sequence encoding for a pharmacologically active molecule of interest, such as, polypeptide or protein, whose expression is desired. The nucleic acid sequence may or may not include the promoter or other regulatory components. The vectors and plasmid vectors also include constructs capable of producing anti-sense RNA.

“Gene therapy” as used herein is defined as the delivery of a gene of interest to an animal in need thereof using a recombinant vector. The gene of interest can be a transgene encoding for a therapeutic or prophylactic protein or polypeptide including, but not limited to cytokines, anti-inflammatories, anti-proliferatives, antibiotics, metabolic inhibitors/activators and immunologically active antigens and fragments thereof. Furthermore, “gene therapy” as used herein also includes gene replacement technologies directed at both inherited and non-inherited disorders.

The term Helicobacter includes all bacteria of the genus Helicobacter including H. pylori and Helicobacter mustelae. The term also includes bacteria that have similar biology to H. pylori in that they are capable of residing on the gastric mucosa of primates and/or capable of establishing a chronic, but isolated infection of the mucosa. The term also encompasses bacteria that have been modified so that the bacterium has H. pylori features, such as the ability to reside on the gastric mucosa.

A “heterologous” polypeptide is a peptide that is not native or that has been mutated from the native form as it existed in Helicobacter, i.e., not expressed by Helicobacter in nature or prior to introduction into Helicobacter, or an ancestor thereof.

“Host” as used herein defines the intended recipient of a therapeutic composition of the present invention. Host includes all animals. Specifically, hosts include, but are not limited to, primates (including man), bovine, equine, canine, feline, porcine, ovine, rabbits, rodents, birds and fish.

“Immunologically inert” as used herein shall mean any substance, including microorganisms such as microflora that does not provoke a significant immune response in its host. Examples of immunologically inert materials as used herein include stainless steel, biocompatible polymers such as poly-L-lactide, medical grade plastics and the microflora organisms of the present invention.

An “insertion construct”, as used herein, shall mean a nucleic acid construct that comprises a portion of Helicobacter pylori nucleic acid sequence, such as a portion of a nucleic acid sequence that encodes the HopE gene, and a non-Helicobacter nucleic acid sequence that encodes a molecule of interest.

An “isolated nucleic acid” is a nucleic acid sequence that is not identical to any naturally occurring nucleic acid or any fragment of a naturally occurring genomic nucleic acid sequence spanning more than three separate genes. The term therefore covers, for example, (a) a DNA molecule which has the sequence of part of a naturally occurring genomic DNA molecule but is not flanked by both of the coding sequences that flank that part of the molecule in the genome of the organism in which it naturally occurs; (b) a nucleic acid incorporated into a vector or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote in a manner such that the resulting molecule is not identical to any naturally occurring vector or genomic DNA; (c) a separate molecule such as a cDNA, a genomic fragment, a fragment produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or a restriction fragment; and (d) a recombinant nucleotide sequence that is part of a hybrid gene, i.e., a gene encoding a fusion protein.

“Percent identity” (homology) of two amino acid sequences or of two nucleic acids is determined using the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul, 1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 87:2264-2268, 1990, modified as in Karlin and Altschul (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5877, 1993). Such an algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs of Altschul et al. (J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410, 1990). BLAST nucleotide searches are performed with the NBLAST program, score=100, wordlength=12, to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to a nucleic acid molecule of the invention. BLAST protein searches are performed with the XBLAST program, score=50, wordlength=3, to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a reference polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2). To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST is utilized as described in Altschul et al. (Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402, 1997). When utilizing BLAST and Gapped BLAST programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g., XBLAST and NBLAST) are used.

A “pharmacologically active” molecule, as used in the description of the present invention, is defined as a molecule, such as a peptide, protein, nucleic acid, or other organic or inorganic substance that is capable of eliciting a pharmacologically detectable activity or response in a cell, such as in a cell culture, or in a chemical or biochemical reaction media or assay, or in an animal. The pharmacologically active molecules of interest of the present invention may include, for example, biologically active molecules as described herein.

A “molecule of interest” as used in the description of the present invention, is defined as a protein, peptide, enzyme, or other molecule that when provided to a cell or animal, provides a protein, peptide, enzyme or other molecule that is capable of correcting and/or treating a pathology, deficiency or other condition deemed appropriate, such as in the treatment of a disease.

The term “reporter gene” as used herein is a nucleic acid sequence incorporated into (or adjacent to) the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest that provides the transformed vector expressing the molecule of interest an identifiable phenotype. Non-limiting examples of reporter genes include GFP, β-galactosidase, amylase and CAT.

“Screening marker” as used herein refers to an identifying characteristic (phenotype) provided to a transformed vector made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the screening marker is a reporter gene.

“Selectable marker,” “selectable gene,” “reporter gene” and “reporter marker” (referred to hereinafter as a “selectable marker”) as used herein refer to nucleic acid sequences encoding for phenotypic traits that permit the rapid identification and isolation of a transformed bacterial vector. Generally, bacterial vectors deemed “clinical grade” and made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are those vectors having selectable markers that do not encode for antibiotic resistance.

A “significant immune response” is any immune response that would provide immunity (i.e., invoke the production of specific antibody) in an animal against a given antigenic molecule or immunogen.

A “therapeutically effective amount” of a pharmacologically active molecule of interest or combination of said molecules as described herein is understood to comprise an amount effective to elicit the desired response but insufficient to cause a toxic reaction. A desired response, for example, may constitute the formation of a sufficient and/or acceptable detectable antibody titer level in a blood sample. The dosage and duration of treatment of the preparation to be administered to a subject will be determined by the health professional attending the subject in need of treatment, and will consider the age, sex, weight, extent of existing diseased state and/or tissue damage of the subject, and specific formulation of Helicobacter and the gene of interest product being used as the treatment for the subject.

A “transgene” as used herein refers to a gene that is inserted, using cDNA technology, into a cell in a manner that ensures its function, replication and transmission as a normal gene.

A “transforming nucleic acid sequence” as used herein means a plasmid, or other expression cassette containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the nucleic acid sequence can encode for one or more therapeutic agents. “Transforming nucleic acid sequence” can also be used to mean a “transgene” in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention the transforming nucleic acid sequence includes nucleic acid sequence encoding for a promoter and/or other regulatory elements.

The term “cancer” as used herein refers to neoplastic diseases eg., leukemia, cancers and “hyperproliferative disorders”). The neoplasm may be located in a tissue selected from the group consisting of: colon, abdomen, bone, breast, digestive system, liver, pancreas, prostate, peritoneum, lung, blood (e.g., leukemia), endocrine glands (adrenal, parathyroid, pituitary, testicles, ovary, thymus, thyroid), uterus, eye, head and neck, nervous (central and peripheral), lymphatic system, pelvic, skin, soft tissue, spleen, thoracic, and urogenital.

In one embodiment the term “cancer” also encompasses pre-neoplastic conditions selected from the group consisting of hyperplasia (e.g., endometrial hyperplasia), metaplasia (eg, connective tissue metaplasia) and/or dysplasia (e.g., cervical dysplasia, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia).

In another embodiment, the term “cancer” also encompasses benign dysproliferative disorder selected from the group consisting of: benign tumors, fibrocystic conditions, and tissue hypertrophy.

The term “a disease or condition of the immune/hematopoietic system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: anemia, pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute lymphocytic anemia (ALL), plasmacytomas, multiple myeloma, Burkitt's lymphoma, arthritis, asthma, AIDS, autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, immune deficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis, immune reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, systemic lupus erythematosus, hemophilia, hypercoagulation, diabetes mellitus, endocarditis, meningitis, Lyme Disease, Celiac disease (gluten sensitivity) and allergies.

The term “a disease or condition of the reproductive system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: cryptorchism, prostatitis, inguinal hernia, varicocele, leydig cell tumors, verrucous carcinoma, prostatitis, malacoplakia, Peyronie's disease, penile carcinoma, squamous cell hyperplasia, dysmenorrhea, ovarian adenocareinoma, Turner's syndrome, mucopurulent cervicitis, Sertoli-Leydig tumors, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, Klinefelter's syndrome, Young's syndrome, premature ejaculation, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, Kartagener's syndrome, testicular atrophy, testicular feminization, anorchia, ectopic testis, epididymitis, orchitis, gonorrhea, syphilis, testicular torsion, vasitis nodosa, germ cell tumors, stromal tumors, dysmenorrhea, retroverted uterus, endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, anovulatory bleeding, amenorrhea, Cushing's syndrome, hydatidiform moles, Asherman's syndrome, premature menopause, precocious puberty, uterine polyps, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, cervicitis, chronic cervicitis, mucopurulent cervicitis, cervical dysplasia, cervical polyps, Nabothian cysts, cervical erosion, cervical incompetence, cervical neoplasms, pseudohermaphroditism, and premenstrual syndrome.

The term “a disease or condition of the musculoskeletal system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of bone cancers (e.g., osteochondromas, benign chondromas, chondroblastoma, chondromyxoid fibromas, osteoid osteomas, giant cell tumors, multiple myeloma, osteosarcomas), Paget's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteomyelitis, Lyme Disease, gout, bursitis, tendonitis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial myopathy, cachexia, and multiple sclerosis.

The term “a disease or condition of the cardiovascular system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: myxomas, fibromas, rhabdomyomas, cardiovascular abnormalities (e.g., congenital heart defects, cerebral arteriovenous malformatiens, septal defects), heart disease (e.g., heart failure, congestive heart disease, arrhythmia, tachycardia, fibrillation, pericardial Disease, endocarditis), cardiac arrest, heart valve disease (e.g., stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse), vascular disease (e.g., hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, aneurism, arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease), hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.

The term “a disease or condition described as mixed fetal” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: spina bifida, hydranencephaly, neurofibromatosis, fetal alcohol syndrome, diabetes mellitus, PKU, Down's syndrome, Patau syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Turner syndrome, Apert syndrome, Carpenter syndrome, Conradi syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, cutis laxa, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, Holt-Oram syndrome, Kartagener syndrome, Meckel-Gruber syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Pallister-Hall syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Scimitar syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR) syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Williams syndrome, Hirschsprung's disease, Meckel's diverticulum, polycystic kidney disease, Turner's syndrome, and gonadal dysgenesis, Klippel-Feil syndrome, Ostogenesis imperfecta, muscular dystrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, Wilm's tumour, neuroblastoma, and retinoblastoma,

The term “a disease or condition of the excretory system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: bladder cancer, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder disorders (e.g., urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary obstruction, urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, neurogenic bladder, hematuria), renal disorders (e.g., hydronephrosis, proteinuria, renal failure, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, reflux nephropathy, and unilateral obstructive uropathy).

The term “a disease or condition of the neural/sensory system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: brain cancer (e.g., brain stem glioma, brain tumors, central nervous system (Primary) lymphoma, central nervous system lvmphoma. cerebellar astrocyroma, and cerebral astrocytoma, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Idiopathic Presenile Dementia), encephalomyelitis, cerebral malaria, meningitis, metabolic brain diseases (e.g., phenylketonuria and pyruvate carboxylase deficiency), cerebellar ataxia, ataxia telangiectasia, and AIDS Dementia Complex, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, hyperactive attention deficit disorder, autism, and obsessive compulsive disorders.

The term “a disease or condition of the respiratory system” as used herein refers to a disease or disorder selected from the group consisting of: cancers of the respiratory system such as larynx cancer, pharynx cancer, trachea cancer, epiglottis cancer, lung cancer, squamous cell carcinomas, small cell (oat cell) carcinomas, large cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, allergic reactions, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, histiocytosis X, infiltrative lung diseases (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia), obstructive airway diseases (e.g., asthma, emphysema, chronic or acute bronchitis), occupational lung diseases (e.g., silicosis and asbestosis), pneumonia and pleurisy.

The term “a disease or condition of the endocrine system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: cancers of endocrine tissues and organs (e.g., cancers of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland. thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes), diabetes (e.g., diabetes insipidus, type I and type II diabetes mellitus), obesity, disorders related to pituitary glands (e.g., hyperpituitarism, hypopituitarism, and pituitary dwarfism), hypothyroidism. hyperthyroidism, goiter, reproductive disorders (e.g., male and female infertility), disorders related to adrenal glands (e.g., Addison's Disease, corticosteroid deficiency, and Cushing's Syndrome), kidney cancer (e.g., hypermephroma, transitional cell cancer, and Wilm's tumour), diabetic nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis (e.g., 1 gM mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and glomerulonephritis caused by autoimmune disorders; such as Goodpasture's syndrome), and nephrocalcinosis.

The term “a disease or condition of the digestive system” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, Crohn's disease, hepatitis, hepatic encephalopatby, portal hypertension, cholelithiasis, cancer of the digestive system (e.g., biliary tract cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer of the bile duct, tumors of the colon (e.g., polyps or cancers), and cirrhosis), pancreatitis, ulcerative disease, pyloric stenosis, gastroenteritis, gastritis, gastric atrophy, benign tumors of the duodenum, distension, irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption, congenital disorders of the small intestine, bacterial and parasitic infection, megacolon, Hirschsprung's disease, aganglionic megacolon, acquired megacolon, colitis, anorectal disorders (e.g., anal fistulas, hemorrhoids), congenital disorders of the liver (e.g., Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis, biliary atresia, and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency), portal hypertension, cholelithiasis, and jaundice.

The term “a disease or condition of the connective/epithelial” as used herein refers to a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: connective tissue metaplasia, mixed connective tissue disease, focal epithelial hyperplasia, epithelial metaplasia, mucoepithelial dysplasia, graft v. host disease, polymyositis, cystic hyperplasia, cerebral dysplasia, tissue hypertrophy, Alzheimer's disease, lymphoproliferative disorder, Waldenstron's macroglobulinemia, Crohn's disease, pernicious anemia, idiopathic Addison's disease, glomerulonephritis, bullous pemphigoid, Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, osteoblastoma, osteoclastoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteoporosis, osteocarthritis, periodontal disease, wound healing, relapsing polychondritis, vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa, Wegener's granulomatosis, cellulitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma. CREST syndrome, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, relapsing polychondritis, vasculitis, Henoch-Schonlein syndrome, erythema nodosum, polyarteritis nodosa, temporal (giant cell) arteritis, Takayasu's arteritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, Reiter's syndrome, Behcet's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, cellulitis, keloids, Ehler Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, osteogenesis imperfecta, chondrodysplasias, epidermolysis bullosa. Alport syndrome and cutis laxa.

The phrase “ghrelin-associated diseases and disorders” refers to any condition that can be treated prevented or ameliorated through the modulation of ghrelin activity. These include conditions that are enhanced, exacerbated or stimulated by ghrelin, for example, growth hormone release or drive to eat. The physiological actions of ghrelin are considered to include, by way of example, the stimulation of growth hormone release, the stimulation of hormone secretion from lactotrophs and corticotropes, orexigenic and cardiovascular actions, anti-proliferative effects on thyroid and breast tumors and regulation of gastric motility and acid secretion through vagal mediation. (See WO 2005021026).

Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided herein, unless specifically indicated.

The invention will now be further described by reference only to the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood, however, that the examples following are illustrative, and should not be taken in any way as a restriction on the generality of the invention described herein. In particular, while the invention is described in detail in relation to the use of a specific H. pylori strain, it will be clearly understood that the findings herein are not limited to this strain.

EXAMPLE 1 Vectors and Transgenic H. pylori Organisms for Stable Expression of Foreign Proteins

The genetic manipulation of H. pylori is uncommon. The present example demonstrates the utility of the invention for providing a genetically transformed Helicobacter, particularly transformed H. pylori. The transformed bacterium are prepared using plasmids and plasmid vectors derived from Helicobacter, which have had been subject to prior manipulation in a non-Helicobacter organism, such as E. coli.

Several H. pylori plasmids described in the literature can be successfully converted to H. pylori/E. coli shuttle vectors. Many strains of E. coli have been reported to be naturally competent for DNA uptake. Resistance markers for streptomycin, rifampin and metronidazole have also been successfully transformed into most strains of H. pylori. However, while plasmid DNA from E. coli and other organisms can be introduced into H. pylori, these plasmids cannot be stably maintained. Moreover, H. pylori plasmids cannot be transformed into E. coli or Helicobacter species. Accordingly, H. pylori shuttle vectors must be constructed.

Two plasmids from H. pylori are illustrated in the schematics shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Vectors pHPAI (2.8 kb) (FIG. 1) and pHP3 (3.4 kb) (FIG. 2) have been sequenced, and it has been revealed that pHPAI replicated via the theta mode of plasmid replication. In contrast to rolling-circle replicating plasmids, theta plasmids do not generate single-stranded DNA intermediates during replication and are thus more stable vector candidates because they are less prone to illegitimate recombination. Furthermore, the pHPAI origin of replication (ori) contains a series of direct repeat sequences (termed “iterons”) that are involved in replication control and maintaining stable copy number. Vector pHP3 shares many of these features. The nucleotide sequences for these two vectors are shown below.

Plasmid pHP1 shown in double stranded form (top strand is (+strand) SEQ ID: 1; bottom strand is (−strand) (SEQ ID NO: 2)

GTCATGCGCGTTGTTTTTAATTACATTTTAAACAACTTGTTGTTGTTTTTACATGTTTTACTCGC       65 CAGTACGCGCAACAAAAATTAATGTAAAATTTGTTGAACAACAACAAAAATGTACAAAATGAGCG ATGCGCGCGCGTGAGGGATTGGGGGTTGCAACCCCCTAAATAACGAAGCTGTAGGGTTTCTCATT       130 TACGCGCGCGCACTCCCTAACCCCCAACGTTGGGGGATTTATTGCTTCGACATCCCAAAGAGTAA TTTGTGGTGAAAATGAATAAAACAGAACTTCTTGCCAACACTAACAGAACTTCTTGCCAACACTA       195 AAACACCACTTTTACTTATTTTGTCTTGAAGAACGGTTGTGATTGTCTTGAAGAACGGTTGTGAT ACAGAACTTCTTGCCAACACTAACAGAACTTCTTGCCAACACTAACAGAACTTCTTTATTTTAAA       260 TGTCTTGAAGAACGGTTGTGATTGTCTTGAAGAACGGTTGTGATTGTCTTGAAGAAATAAAATTT GTTATGATTATTAACAATTTTTAGACATAATAACAGCGTGTGAAGATACTTTTGTAGCGGTATTT       325 CAATACTAATAATTGTTAAAAATCTGTATTATTGTCGCACACTTCTATGAAAACATCGCCATAAA CCTATGTGCGGCAAAATTTGGAGCAATTAGCTTGACTTGGTTGAGTTAGTGGGTTGGAGGATAGA       390 GGATACACGCCGTTTTAAACCTCGTTAATCGAACTGAACCAACTCAATCACCCAACCTCCTATCT GAGGGCGACACCTCGTTAGGAGGTATCAATGTGAAAGTATTTGTCGTATTAGTTCTAGTATTAGT       455 CTCCCGCTGTGGAGCAATCCTCCATAGTTACACTTTCATAAACAGCATAATCAAGATCATAATCA AATTCTCGCACAATTGCTATATTAGGCTTATTCGTGGTCTAACCCCTTGTTTATGGGGGTTGGCT       520 TTAAGAGCGTGTTAACGATATAATCCGAATAAGCACCAGATTGGGGAACAAATACCCCCAACCGA CGTTATAAGCATACTGATACGATCACACTTATTATACACCAAAAGATAAGGAGTATAGAGTGGAA       585 GCAATATTCGTATGACTATGCTAGTGTGAATAATATGTGGTTTTCTATTCCTCATATCTCACCTT TTTGATCAATCAGATTTACAAAAAGCGTTGAAAATATTAGATACACTCCCACAAACCCCACAAAT       650 AAACTAGTTAGTCTAAATGTTTTTCGCAACTTTTATAATCTATGTGAGGGTGTTTGGGGTGTTTA TGAGCTACAAAAACAAGAAATACAAAACCGCATCAACAAAATAACAGAGACAATCATTAAAGAAT       715 ACTCGATGTTTTTGTTCTTTATGTTTTGGCGTAGTTGTTTTATTGTCTCTGTTAGTAATTTCTTA TACTATCAAAGCATGAAATCAAGAAAGAAGAACTAGAACCCACTCTAACCCCAAAACCCACACCA       780 ATGATAGTTTCGTACTTTAGTTCTTTCTTCTTGATCTTGGGTGAGATTGGGGTTTTGGGTGTGGT CTCAAAGAGCCACAAACCACCCCAACACCATGCAAAGATTTAGTGGTTAGCACCCCTAAAGATAA       845 GAGTTTCTCGGTGTTTGGTGGGGTTGTGGTACGTTTCTAAATCACCAATCGTGGGGATTTCTATT AACCTAATATCACCTACCACAATAACGCTAATAAGGTCAATCTAGGGAAATTGAGCGAAAGGGAA       910 TTGGATTATAGTGGATGGTGTTATTGCGATTATTCCAGTTAGATCCCTTTAACTCGCTTTCCCTT GCCAATCTTTTATTCGCTATTTTTCAAAAACTCAAAGCCCAAGGGAATACCCTCATTCGTTTTGA       975 CGGTTAGAAAATAAGCGATAAAAAGTTTTTGAGTTTCGGGTTCCCTTATGGGAGTAAGCAAAACT ACCGCAAGATTTGAAACGCATGCTAAACATAGATATTTCTAATGAGCGCTTATCAGAAGTCGTTA      1040 TGGCGTTCTAAACTTTGCGTACGATTTGTATCTATAAAGATTACTCGCGAATAGTCTTCAGCAAT TTAAGCTGTGGGATAGCATTAAAACCGCTGATTTTTGGAAAATTAGCGAAACCGAAACTTCAATC       1105 AATTCGACACCCTATCGTAATTTTGGCGACTAAAAACCTTTTAATCGCTTTGGCTTTGAAGTTAG ATTCAAGAAAATTACATGCTTTTTAGTCGGTGTAAAATTGAATTGAACAAACCGAGTAAAGATTT       1170 TAAGTTCTTTTAATGTACGAAAAATCAGCCACATTTTAACTTAACTTGTTTGGCTCATTTCTAAA GAAGTATTTAGAAATCCAACTCAACGATAACTATCAAGACTTACTCAACAATCTGGGCATGGGTC       1235 CTTCATAAATCTTTAGGTTGAGTTGCTATTGATAGTTCTGAATGAGTTGTTAGACCCGTACCCAG AATACACTTCTTTCAATCTGTTAGAATTTCAAAGAGTGAGGGGTAAATACGCTAAAACGCTCTAT       1300 TTATGTGAAGAAAGTTAGACAATCTTAAAGTTTCTCACTCCCCATTTATGCGATTTTGCGAGATA CGCTTGCTCAAGCAATACAAAAGCACAGGGATTTTGAGCGTGGAATGGAC TCAATTCAGGGAGCT       1365 GCGAACGAGTTCGTTATGTTTTCGTGTCCCTAAAACTCGCACCTTACCTGAGTTAAGTCCCTCGA TTTAGACATTCCAAAAGACTACAAAATGGAAAACATCGATCAAAAAGTCTTAACCCCCTCTCTCA       1430 AAATCTGTAAGGTTTTCTGATGTTTTACCTTTTGTAGCTAGTTTTTCAGAATTGGGGGAGAGAGT AAGAACTCAGAAAAATCTACCCTTTTGAACACTTGAGCTATAAAAAAGAACGCAAAAGCCATTAC       1495 TTCTTGAGTCTTTTTAGATGGGAAAACTTGTGAACTCGATATTTTTTCTTGCGTTTTCGGTAATG AAGCGCAAAGTAACCCACATTGATTTTTATTTTGAGCAATTTCCTTAAGGCGAAAATAAGAAACA       1560 TTCGCGTTTCATTGGGTGTAACTAAAAATAAAACTCGTTAAAGGAATTCCGCTTTTATTCTTTGT AAACAAAGCCGACAAGCAACGCGCTCAAAGGGACATCAAGCTTGTAGCATGGGATATTCACAACC       1625 TTTGTTTCGGCTGTTCGTTGCGCGAGTTTCCCTGTAGTTCGAACACGTACCCTATAAGTGTTGG AAATCGCTAAAAGAAACGCAAAAGCCACTATGGAAGCTAGGTTTCTTGAATTGAAAACTTTGATC       1690 TTTAGCGATTTTCTTTGCGTTTTCGGTGATACCTTCGATCCAAAGAACTTAACTTTTGAAACTAG GGCTATCAGTTCAGGAACAATGACAGTAGGAACAAATTAAAGATTGACAACACCACTTTTGAAAG       1755 CCGATAGTCAAGTCCTTGTTACTGTCATCCTTGTTTAATTTCTAACTGTTGTGGTGAAAACTTTC AATCAAATGTATTTACATGTATCTTAACCCTAAAAATAAGCATAACCCCCAAAAATTCCTTGTAT       1820 TTAGTTTACATAAATGTACATAGAATTGGGATTTTTATTCGTATTGGGGGTTTTTAAGGAACATA CCAACAAGACATTCGCATTGGAACTACTATATATCAATAGATACAGCCTAAAAAAAAGACAACTT       1885 GGTTGTTCTGTAAGCGTAACCTTGATGATATATAGTTATCTATGTCGGATTTTTTTTCTGTTGAA GCTAGAAGAATTTAACCCCCCAAAATCCACCCTATCACCAACGAACCTATCAAGGAATTTGCAGA       1950 CGATCTTCTTAAATTGGGGGGTTTTAGGTGGGATAGTGGTTGCTTGGATAGTTCCTTAAACGTCT ATACATCGGCAAAACGATTAACATCACCAACTTCAATGTGGATCAATGCCATGAGGGAATCAGCA       2015 TATGTAGCCGTTTTGCTAATTGTAGTGGTTGAAGTTACACCTAGTTACGGTACTCCCTTAGTCGT ACTACCTGACAATCACTAGGATCGTGAACTGGACGTAATCGGATCTGTATTTGGTCCAGATGTGG       2080 TGATGGACTGTTAGTGATCCTAGCACTTGACCTGCATTAGCCTAGACATAAACCAGGTCTACACC ATAAGCCTGGGACTTCTCAAGCCTTTCATTGCTAAAGTGAGAAAATTTGGGGATTGGTTCAAGAA       2145 TATTCGGACCCTGAAGAGTTCGGAAAGTAACGATTTCACTCTTTTAAACCCCTAACCAAGTTCTT CACTACAGGTGAAAAGACAGATGCATGCTGACTAAACTCATAGAAAAACTGAATCACGAAAGAAA       2210 GTGATGTCCACTTTTCTGTCTACGTACGACTGATTTGAGTATCTTTTTGACTTAGTGCTTTCTTT GAATGCAAGCAGAAAACAAACACCTAAAAGAACAAGGACTAGAAAAAATCTACACTCAAAAAGAC       2275 CTTACGTTCGTCTTTTGTTTGTGGATTTTCTTGTTCCTGATCTTTTTTAGATGTGAGTTTTTCTG TACGAGCAGTTAAAAGAACAGCATTTGAAAGAAATTGAAGCACTCAAAAAAGAAATCCAAAAAAC       2340 ATGCTCGTCAATTTTCTTGTCGTAAACTTTCTTTAACTTCGTGAGTTTTTTCTTTAGGTTTTTTG CAAGCAAGAAACATACACGCAACCAAAAGAATGTAGCCATTTAGCGCATTCTTTTAGCCCTAATT       2405 GTTCGTTCTTTGTATGTGCGTTGGTTTTCTTACATCGGTAAATCGCGTAAGAAAATCGGGATTAA CATTCTTTCAATCAAAATCCGACTAATTCATCGGCTAAACGCTAAAAATCGCTTAAAACGAAAAA       2470 GTAAGAAAGTTAGTTTTAGGCTGATTAAGTAGCCGATTTGCGATTTTTAGCGAATTTTGCTTTTT TACAAAGCAAAAAACTTCATTCCCCTTTTAGTCGTTAACCATTTAGCCAATCTAACTAGTTTAGC       2535 ATGTTTCGTTTTTTGAAGTAAGGGGAAAATCAGCAATTGGTAAATCGGTTAGATTGATCAAATCG ATCTAAAGGCGAATCTATCTTGTGTTAGACATCCAACCTTACCAAAACCGCAGAGCGAGCTTAAG       2600 TAGATTTCCGCTTAGATAGAACACAATCTGTAGGTTGGAATGGTTTTGGCGTCTCGCTCGAATTC AGAGATTCAAGCGGTTTTGCACGATTGTTTGCTGCCAAGAAAACCAACAAGCGAAGTAAGGCGCA       2665 TCTCTAAGTTCGCCAAAACGTGCTAACAAACGACGGTTCTTTTGGTTGTTCGCTTCATTCCGCGT TAGACAAAAGCGCATCGCAGTTTGAAAGCGTAGGCGTCAGAAGTGGTTTGCGTTAGAATCAAACA       2730 ATCTGTTTTCGCGTAGCGTCAAACTTTCGCATCCGCAGTCTTCACCAAACGCAATCTTAGTTTGT AGATAGCGCAAACCTGGCGTTAGGCTAAAAAACCCCTAAAAACTAAAACCCCAAAATATGTAGTGC       2796 TCTATCGCGTTTGGACCGCAATCCGATTTTTTGGGGATTTTTGATTTTGGGGTTTTATACATCACG

Plasmid pHP3 shown in single stranded form (SEQ ID NO: 3):

TCTACACAATTAACAATCTTTAGCTACAATAACAGCGTGTGAAGATGCTTTCACAGCGGT       60 ATTTCCTATGTGCGGCAAAATTTGGAGCAATTAACTTGACTTGGTTGGGTTAGTGGGTTG       120 GAGGATAGAGAGGGCGACACCTCGTTAGGAGGTATCAATGTGAAAGTATTTGTCGTATTA       180 GTTCTAGTATTAGTAATTCTCGCACAATTGCTATATTAGGCTTATTTGTGGTCTAACCCC       240 TTGTTTATGGGGGTTAGATCCTTATAAGCATACTGATACGATCACACTTATTATACACCA       300 AAAGATAAGGAGTATAGAGTGGAATTTGATCAATTAGAATCACAAAGATCAGACTTACAA       360 AAAGTGTTAAAAGAATTAGATACACTCCCAAAAACCCCACAAATTGAGCTACAAAAACAA       420 GAAATACAAAACCGCATCAACAAAATAACAGACACAATCATTAAAGAATTACTATCAAAA       480 CATGAAATCAAAAAAGAAGAACTAGAACCCACTCTAACCCCAAAACCCACACCAACAAAA       540 GAGCCACAAACCACCCCCACACCATGCAAAAATTTAGTGGTTAGCACCCCTAAAGATAAA       600 ACCTATATCACCTACCACAATAACGCTAATAAGGTCAATCTAGGGAAATTGAGCGAAAGG       660 GAAGCCAATCTTTTATTCGCTATTTTTCAAAGGCTTAAAGATCAAGGGAATACCCTCATT       720 CGTTTTGAACCGCAAGATTTAAAACGCATGATCATGGTCAAATCCAACTTAACCAACAGG       780 CAATTATTGCAAGTCTTAAAAAATTTGCTTGACAACATTAGCGGTGCTAATTTTTGGATC       840 AATTAGAGAGCATGTTGAAAATGGCGAAATCTATGAAGATCACACTAGCTACATGCTTTT       900 CAAACAATTTGAAATCCGCATCCATAAGCCAACACAAACTATAGAATACTTAGATGTCCA       960 ACTCAATGATAGCTATCAATACTTGCTCAACAATCTAGGAATGGGCGGTCAATACACTTC       1020 TTTCAATCTCTTAGAATTTCAAAGGGTGAGGGGCAAATAGTGAGAGCGTTAAATTTCCCC       1080 CCCCTATTCCCCTTAAAAAGGACCCTTATCCCAGGGAATTTTTGGCCCCAATACAATTAG       1140 GGCCAAAAACCCGGTCCCTTCCATGGCTTAACCAACCCAATTGGGGGATTCCAATTTCCC       1200 CTGGATGGGAATAACCCAAGGCTTTTTTTGAAAATTCCACCTACCATTTGGTCCAAAATT       1260 GGATGGACAATTCCAAATTCCAAATCTTCTTTTCCAAGAATGGGGGCCAACCCTTGACAA       1320 ACTCCTTAAACCTTTTCATTCGGCTAAAAGGTTGAAAAACATTTGGAAGATTTGGTTTAA       1380 GGAAATATTTATCGGGTGAAAAGACCAGATGCATGGCTAACTTAAACTCCATAGAAAAAC       1440 TGAATCACGAAAGAAAGAATGCTATCAAAAATGGCATTTACCACTTGATCCAAATCAAAT       1500 TTTCTTACAACTCCAATCGCATTGAAGGAAGCGGTTTGACTTATGAACAAACCGCTCATA       1560 TTTTTGACAAATCCGTTCTCATAACTGAAAAAAACACCAATATCAAACTTGATGATATTT       1620 TTGAAACTATCAATCATTTTGAATGCGTGAATTACTTGCTTGAAAGCTATAAAGAACCTT       1680 TGAGTTTAGAATACTTTAAGAATTTACACAAAATCTTGAAAAAGAATTGTTCTGATGAAG       1740 TTATTGGTGATTTTAAAAAACGCCCTAATTTTGTAGGCAATAGCGCCACAACAAGACCCA       1800 AATTAGTTGAAAGCGAATTGACAAATCTTGTGAAAAATTATCAACGCAACCTTGAAGTGA       1860 GTTTGAAAAACAATATCATGCCTTTCATCATAGAAAACGAACACAAAGCCTTTTACTACA       1920 GGGGCATCAAAGAATATGACAACACAAAAGGCTACTTGAAAGACACCATTTTGCAAAGTC       1980 AAGACAATTTCAATGAAATGGTTAGCTATTTCTTTTCTTGAGTGAAACCGCTTATTTTTG       2040 CTTGTGTGCTTTTGTTTTTTGCGTTTTTAGTTGTAGGTGGTAAGAAATATCGGTTTTTTG       2100 CTTTTCGTTGGTTGTAGGCGATTTTAGATAGCAAAAAACAGCTAAAAAATCCAAGCAACC       2160 TAATTGATTTCAAACCAACTTCATTTCCCTTTTAGTCGTTAGCCATTTAGCCAATCTAAC       2220 TAGTTTAGCATCTAAAAGCGCATATAACTTGAGTTAGCAATCCAACCAATACTAAAACCG       2280 CCTAGCGAAGCGTTAGCGAGCAAAATAAGCGGTTTTAGACCGATTGTTTGCTGACAAGCA       2340 AACACCAATAAGCGAGCGTTAGCGAGCATGGACAAAAGCGCATCGCAGTTTGAAAGCGTA       2400 GGCGTTAGCCGAAGCTGTTTTGCGTAAGCAAATCAAACAAGATAGCGCAAGCCGAGGTGC       2460 AGCCCAAGAATTTGAATTAATCCATGCGGTGTTTAGGGCGTTTTAGCGTGATCGCTTTAT       2520 TACATGTTTTAACAGCATGCTGTTTTTTACATGTTTTACTCGCATGCGCGCGCGCTAGG       2580 TATTGGTGGTTGGAATAGCCTAAATAACGCAGCTGTATGGTTTCTCATTTTTCGGTGACA       2640 ATGAATAAGGGGTAGTTCTTGCGAGTCATAAGTGTAGTTCTTGCGAGTCATAAGTGTAGT       2700 TCTTGCGAGTCATAAGTGTAGTTCTTGCGAGTCATAAGTGTAGTTCTCTTCACAATATCT       2760 ACACAATTCACAATCTCTAGCTACAATAACAGCGTGTGAAGATGCTTTCACAGCGGTATT       2820 TCCTATGTGCGGCAAAATTTGGAGCAATTAGCTTTAAAAGCTAGTGGGTTGGGAGTTTGT       2880 AGCGGGTATGCACTCCGTTAGGAGGCACACCATGAAAGCATTTTTGATAGTAGTGATTTT       2940 AGTGGTAATCTTGACACAGCCACTATATTAAAACCTTAGCGTTTTAATAACCCTTATAAG       3000 TCCGCCAAGACTTCTTAAGGTTTCACTCCTGTTATTATATCGTCTTTTGAAAAATAAGC       3060 ATTAAAAGGCGCTTAAATGCCCATGAATACGAATTTTGAACAGCTTAGAAAACAAGAATT       3120 GGAATTACGAAAATTATTAGAAGAATTAGAAACGCTCCCACAAACCCCACAAATTAAACT       3180 GCAAAAACAAAAAATACAAACTTACATAGACAAGATAACACCAAGTATTTTGAGCGGTTT       3240 TGATCAAAAATTCAAAGAAATTATAGAAAATCTATCAAATGAATTTGAAAAAGAAAAATC       3300 CACACCACTCAAAGAGCCACAAACCACCCCCACACCATGCAAAGATTTAGTGGTTAGCAC       3360 CCCTAAAGATAACACCTATACCACCTACCACAATAACGCTAATAAGGTCAATCTAGGGAA       3420 ATTGAGCGAAAGGGAAGCCAATCT       3440

An additional nucleotide sequence that was cloned is provided at SEQ ID NO: 4, which includes a 135 bp segment that encodes a peptide of 45 amino acids (SEQ ID NO: 5). This smaller 45 amino acid peptide is an immunogenic polypeptide of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen. The nucleic acid sequence encoding the 45 amino acid peptide is shown below with the indicated 135 nucleotides underscored (SEQ ID NO: 5).

CATGAGCACG AATCCTAAAC CTCAAAGAAA SEQ ID NO: 4 AACCAAACGT AACACCAACC GTCGCCCACA GGACGTCAAG TTCCCGGGTG GCGGTCAGAT CGTTGGTGGA CTTTACTTGT TGCCGCGCAG GGGCCCTAGA TTGGGTGTGC GCGCGACGAG GAAGACTTCC GAGCGGTCGC AACCTCGAGG TAGACGTCAG CCTATCCCCA AGGCACGTCG GCCCGAGGGC AGGACCTGGG CTCAGCCCGG GTACCCTTGG CCCCTCTATG GCAATGAGGG TTGCGGGTGG GCGGGATGGC TCCTGTCTCC CCGTGGCTCT CGGCCTAGCT GGGGCCCCAC AGACCCCCGG CGTAGGTCGC GCAATTTGGG TAAGGTCATC GATACCCTTA CGTGCGGCTT CGCCGACCTC ATGGGGTACA TACCGCTCGT CGGCGCCCCT CTTGGAGGCG CTGCCAGGGC CCTGGCGCAT GGCGTCCGGG TTCTGGAAGA CGGCGTGAAC TATGCAACAG GGAACCTTCC TGGTTGCTCT TTCTCTATCT TCCTTCTGGC CCTGCTCTCT TGCCTGACTG TGCCCGCTTC AGCCTACCAA AATCCTAAAC CTCAAAGAAA AACCAAACGT SEQ ID NO: 5 AACACCAACC GTCGCCCACA GGACGTCAAG TTCCCGGGTG GCGGTCAGAT CGTTGGTGGA GTTTACTTGT TGCCGCGCAG GGGCCCTAGA TTGGGTGTGC GCGCG

The nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 4 was cloned into the hopE gene (SEQ ID NO: 6, shown below), of H. pylori 26695 at nt504 of SEQ ID NO: 4 (noted in bold/underscore; corresponding to amino acid residue 168 of the protein product) so that the expressed product would be located as part of the surface exposed loop of the HopE gene product. This construct, designated as vector pTMI03-8 (FIG. 3) was expressed on the surface of E. coli.

ATGCCATAGC ATTTTTATCC ATAAGATTAG CGGATCCTAC CTGACGCTTT TTATCGCAAC TCTCTACTGT TTCTCCATAC CCGTTTTTTG GGCTAACAGG AGGAATTAAC C 1 ATGGAATTTA TGAAAAAGTT TGTAGCTTTA GGGCTTCTAT CCGCAGTTTT 51 AAGCTCTTCG TTGTTAGCCG AAGGTGATGG TGTTTATATA GGGACTAATT 101 ATCAGCTTGG ACAAGCCCGT TTGAATAGTA ATAAAATAA TACAGGGGAT 151 TGCACAGGGA GTGTTGTAGG TTGCCCCCCA GGTCTTACCG CTAATAAGCA 201 TAATCCAGGA GGCACCAATA TCAATTGGCA TGCTAAATAC GCTAATGGGG 251 CTTTGAATGG TCTTGGGTTG AATGTGGGTT ATAAGAAGTT CTTCCAGTTC 301 AAGTCTTTTG ATATGACAAG CAAGTGGTTT GGTTTTAGAG TGTATGGGCT 351 TTTTGATTAT GGGCATGCCA CTTTAGGCAA GCAAGTTTAT GCACCTAATA 401 AAATCCAGTT GGATATGGTC TCTTGGGGTG TGGGGAGCGA TTTGTTAGCT 451 GATATTATTG ATAACGATAA CGCTTCTTTT GGTATTTTTG GTGGGGTCGC 501 TATCGGCGGT AACACTTGGA AAAGCTCAGC GGCAAACTAT TGGAAAGAGC 551 AAATCATTGA AGCTAAGGGT CCTGATGTTT GTACCCCTAC TTATTGTAAC 601 CCTAACGCTC CTTATAGCAC CAAAACTTCA ACCGTCGCTT TTCAGGTATG 651 GTTGAATTTT GGGGTGAGAG CCAATATTTA CAAGCATAAT GGCGTAGAGT 701 TTGGCGTGAG AGTGCCGCTA CTCATCAACA AGTTTTTGAG TGCGGGTCCT 751 AACGCTACTA ATCTTTATTA CCATTTGAAA CGGGATTATT CGCTTTATTT 801 AGGGTATAAC TACACTTTTT CTCGAGATCT GCAGCTGGTA CGATATGGGA SEQ ID NO: 6 ATTCGAAGCT TTCTAGAACA AAAACTCATC TCAGAAGAGG ATCTGAATAG CGCCGTCGAC CATCATCATC ATCATTGAGT TTAACGGTCT CCAGCTTGGC TGTTTTGGCG GATGAGAGAA GATTTTCAGC CTGATACAGA TTAAATC

Briefly, one method of accomplishing the isolation of hopE gene is amplification from H. pylori 22695 by using Taq DNA polymerase. The upstream primer 5′-AAGGATCCGATAGGAATGTAAAGGAATGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 7) containing a BamHI site and the downstream primer 5′-CCGAATTCTAAAGGCATGAACGCTTGCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 8) containing an EcoRI site can be constructed by using a DNA synthesizer, such as the Perkin-Elmer Applied Biosystems, Inc. model 332 (ABI; Mississauga, Ontario, Canada). The resulting PCR fragment can be blunt-end cloned into the EcoRV site in pBluescript II KS(+) in the same orientation as the lac promoter.

PCR primers can then be designed to insert two unique restriction enzyme sites into the hopE gene for insertion of the 135 bp immunogenic coding sequence from the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen. The PCR amplification using Taq DNA polymerase can be performed using a touchdown amplification procedure as follows. The PCR Thermocycler is programmed for an initial denaturation step of 96° C. for 4 min, followed by 18 cycles at an initial annealing temperature of 65° C. (for 90 s), which is decreased by 0.5° C. for each successive cycle, an tension step at 72° C. for 6 min., and denaturation at 96° C. for 1 min. Subsequent to completion the first 18 cycles, an additional 14 amplification cycles can be performed by using 72° C. extension and 96° C. denaturation steps with a constant 55° C. annealing temperature. The resulting amplicon is then purified by column, precipitated with ethanol, and made blunt by digestion with the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase. The PCR products can be digested with restriction enzyme to remove the template DNA, and religated into an appropriate vector such as pTMI03.8 under the control of the arabinose inducible promoter, and transformed into E. coli JM105.

Recombinant clones can be identified by using oligonucleotide primer 5′-AGATCTAAGGACGTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 9) plus the reverse sequencing primer in PCR amplification reactions. Identified clones can be sequenced to verify that the inserted restriction endonuclease sites are in frame and that no errors had been introduced into the hopE gene. The 135 bp immunogenic coding sequence from the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen can then be inserted using standard techniques.

Once vector pTMI03-8 had been created, it was transformed into E. coli, which was grown at 37° C., cells were then harvested and the expression of the DCV insert was continued by Western Blot.

Briefly, a procedure for this is as follows. Cells are harvested from about 20 plates and resuspended in 20% sucrose with 50 mg of DNase I (Boehringer Mannheim) in 10 mM Tris-HCI (pH 8.0). The cells are then disrupted with a French press at 15,000 lb/in². Broken cells are overlaid on a sucrose step gradient of 1 ml of 70% and 6 ml of 70% sucrose in 10 mM Tris-HCI (pH 8.0). The outer membrane fraction is collected and pelleted at 150,000×g, and the pellet is resuspended in 100 ml of distilled water.

Alternatively, outer membranes from 500 ml of log-phase culture can be solubilized in 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0)-3% n-octyl-polyoxyethylene incubated at 23° C. for 1 hour and centrifuged for 30 mm at 173,000×g. The pellet is resuspended in 10 mM Tris-HCI-3% n-octyl-polyoxyethylene-5 mM EDTA (pH 8.0), incubated at 23° C. for 1 hour, and centrifuged for 30 min at 173,000×g, and the supernatant collected. A Western immunoblot indicated the presence of HCV/hopE in the supernatant of the second solubilization step. The supernatant containing HCV/hopE is mixed with an equal volume of 0.125 M Tris-HCI (pH 6.8), 4% (wt/vol) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and 20% (vol/vol) glycerol and subjected to SDS-12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). If required the HCV/hopE band can be excised from an unstained portion of the gel and eluted overnight at 4° C. into 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 1 mM EDTA (pH 8.0), and 100 mM NaCl. The elution supernatant can then be run on an SDS-PAGE gel to check for purity and a Western immunoblot using standard techniques undertaken. For example, isolated outer membranes can be loaded at a concentration of 15 μg/lane. Electrophoresis is then carried out by SDS-PAGE on a discontinuous 12% polyacrylamide gel. Proteins are then stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. For Western immunoblotting, unstained gels can be electroblotted onto immobilon-P membranes (Millipore, Bedford, Mass.). After blocking for 2 h at 2° C. with 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA; Boehringer Mannheim)-0.1% Tween 20 (Sigma) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), the membranes are then incubated with a 1/10,000 dilution of anti-HCV rabbit antiserum in 1% BSA-0.05% Tween 20 in PBS for 1 h at 37° C. The membranes are then washed with PBS and incubated with a 1/5,000 dilution of an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated secondary antibody (Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.) for 1 h at 37° C. The bound antibodies are detected with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate (BCIP, Calbiochem. La Jolla, Calif.) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT, Sigma).

EXAMPLE 2 Expression Vectors and Selection of Antigens for Stable Expression

Because HopE is a native protein of H. pylori, it is tolerated by this organism and can thus form a construct useful for expressing foreign antigens or other heterologous gene products in H. pylori. Other H. pylori/E. coli shuttle vectors that can be readily developed as described above include, for example, vectors comprising two plasmid ori sites and markers which are suitable for each host. Markers might include genes for chloramphenicol/kanamycin resistance as well as promoters that can be recognized by both the E. coli and H. pylori transcriptional systems.

The requirements for replication E. coli can be achieved by using any of a number of known E. coli plasmids (e.g., pBR322).

Constructed shuttle vectors can be tested for replication in both E. coli and H. pylori in vitro and compared to existing shuttle plasmids described in the literature.

The choice of antigen or other heterologous gene product to be expressed would ideally be one that is not toxic to H. pylori and E. coli and that is highly immunogenic (or possesses another desirable property) when delivered to a selected site in a mammal. In the case of an expressed antigen for immunization of the mammal, such as site may be a mucosal site.

As described in Example 1, hopE/HCV core antigen fusion protein can be expressed at the E. coli surface. The product of pTMI03-S (FIG. 3) is preferably targeted to the H. pylori outer membrane, so that it would display the HCV core antigen in a mucosal environment.

Tetanus toxoid (TT) has been studied extensively as an antigen in humans, and immune responses to it are well characterized. TT elicits good mucosal immune responses when administered orally or intranasal when displayed on the surface of bacterial spores (Duc & Cutting, 2003, Expert Opinion Biol Ther, 3(8), 1263-70). The tetanus toxin C fragment can be fused to the hopE gene product as described above or engineered to contain a membrane anchor and cell surface target sequence. The advantage of this system is the existence of well-characterized murine models for assessment of the effectiveness of the vaccination procedure, whereas; in the case of HCV where the known murine models typically rely on immune-deficient mice. The gB protein of cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been shown to immunize mice against a lethal dose of an engineered vaccine virus expressing the gB antigen. Accordingly, shuttle vectors such as those described herein, comprising gB antigen in place of an HCV antigen can be constructed using the protocol described in Example 1.

A number of promoters can be used in the shuttle vectors. Ideally the promoter used is inducible either by a natural in vivo colonization mechanism of Helicobacter or by induction with an innocuous foodstuff or chemical that can be consumed. For example, the promoter from the H. pylori histidine kinase HP 165 may be used. The promoter from the H. pylori histidine kinase HP 165 is reported to be induced by acidic pH and may be a virulence factor related to gastric mucosa colonization. The benefit of this promoter is that a construct can be made in vitro. The foreign antigen will only be expressed when exposed to the acidic environment of the gastric mucosa.

Other promoters include the arabinose inducible promoter used in pTMI03.S and FlaB sigma 54 promoters (Josenhans et al., 1998, EEMS Microbial Lett., 16 1(2), 263-73), the T7 promoter used in constitutive and inducible E. coli systems and the nir promoter of Salmonella which is induced in anaerobic environments (Chatfield et al., 1992, Biotechnology, 10(8): 888-92). The ability of any of these promoters to function in H. pylori can be tested using the system developed by Angelini et al. (2004) (Plasmid, 51:101-107) that uses CAT and GFP reporters as readout of promoter activity in a H. pylori plasmid vector.

The target sites of expression will depend on the antigen or other gene product used. Initial studies focused on HopE proteins and fusion polypeptides which target the expressed polypeptide (e.g., antigen) to the cell surface of H. pylori.

Plasmid stability is also very important and, while the use of antibiotic resistance genes as selective determinants for plasmid maintenance is useful in vitro, is less practical in vivo. An alternative is a balanced-lethal system, for example, the asd gene that is used inactivated in Salmonella. The asd gene, which exists natively in H. pylori, encodes aspartate-β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (an enzyme in biosynthetic pathway for diaminopimelic acid (DAP), an essential component of the cell wall peptidoglycan of gram-negative bacteria. In the absence of DAP, asd mutants undergo lysis. Since DAP is not present in mammalian tissues, this balanced-lethal system imposes a requirement that all living H. pylori carry the recombinant asd gene-containing plasmid.

In order use the asd gene system the genomic copy of the asd gene is inactivated using standard gene knockout protocols. This strain of H. pylori will then only grow with the supply of DAP or with a plasmid that contains the asd gene.

Other systems that can be used for similar purposes include E. coli enterotoxin or cholera toxin (CT) as mucosal adjuvants. Adjuvants can also be used to boost the mucosal immune response. Two such adjuvants are CT and E. coli enterotoxin (LT) wherein expressed antigens are fused to the LTB and CTB mutants that maintain their strong mucosal adjuvant properties but have reduced toxicity.

EXAMPLE 3 Virulence, LD₅₀

As described in Examples 1 and 2, Helicobacter-based vectors such as pHP3 and pHP623 are capable of providing protection against infection in a mammal, such as a mouse or human. In the present example, a murine model is used to demonstrate the utility of using the Helicobacter-based systems to provide delivery of a pharmacologically active molecule of interest to a mammal, including a human. The murine model is employed to demonstrate the activity of a transgenic strain of H. pylori to elicit a serological response to an expressed surface antigen in vivo.

Mice are infected with wild-type H. pylori, while other mice are inoculated by gavage with temperature-sensitive H. pylori as described in Example 2. Sera from both control and test animals are assayed for antibody and gastric histology are performed on sacrificed animals in accordance with the schedule shown in Table 1. A mouse urea breath test can also be used.

A 50% decrease in virulence (from 75% to 40%) was observed. Specific antibody titer increased 4 fold above baseline, indicating a serological response. Serum samples were taken at baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. At these times 10, 10 and 20 animals were sacrificed and gastric histology performed.

EXAMPLE 4 Comparison of Virulence and Antigenicity of Temperature Sensitive H. pylori Strains

In order detect change in virulence related to expression/modification of an outer membrane protein; mice were inoculated with temperature-sensitive H. pylori as described in Example 3. An equal size control group of mice were infected with a wild type H. pylori strain. Noninvasive means were used to determine presence or absence of H. pylori. Mice were bled at 3 and 6 months for antibody determination. At sacrifice, histology was performed to assay gastritis and confirm colonization.

EXAMPLE 5 LD₅₀ Study to Evaluate Temperature-Sensitive H. pylori Vaccine Efficacy for a Pneumococcal Antigen

In order to demonstrate the Helicobacter-based vaccine protection effect from a standard pathogen (pneumococcus), mice were inoculated with temperature sensitive H. pylori by gavage. An equal sized control group was infected with the wild type H. pylori strain. Non-invasive means were used to determine presence or absence of H. pylori as described in Example 4. At 6 months post infection, all mice were given intraperitoneal challenge with 10 times the LD₅₀ of live virulent pneumococci type 4 (˜20 CFU/mouse), as per the method of Aaberge et al. (1995, Microb. Pathog., 18:141-152).

Allowing for 75% lethality in the controls, the study has a power of 0.8 to detect a 50% decrease in mortality (75% vs 50%).

EXAMPLE 6 Determination of H. pylori Status of Mice: Breath Test Method

In the present example, the urea breath test used in humans was adapted for use in mice.

Ten mice were fed a diet devoid of urease (uncooked soy). Mice were then administered 3.7 kBq^([14])C urea in 200 μl flavored citrate by gavage and placed in air-filled 2 L plastic Ziploc bags for 20 minutes. Mice were then removed without exchanging the air within the bag. Hyamine, 0.1 mmol in ethanol, was then introduced and scintillant was added to the hyamine solution and counted for 10 min or up to a count of 1,000 dpm.

EXAMPLE 7 Human Studies

To confirm virulence and antibody response in humans, a strain of H. pylori like the “Baylor Strain” will be employed, and the following criteria will be adopted:

1. The infected individuals will have no symptoms, no more than mild histological damage, and no evidence of infection with hepatitis viruses or HIV.

2. The isolate will be a single strain, cagA negative, and sensitive to metronidazole, clarithromycin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin.

3. Volunteers to receive a challenge will be healthy with normal gastric histology, no history of peptic ulcer, no young children at home, no regular contact with young children, and no allergies to the antibiotics that might be required to treat the infection.

Challenge will consist of 40 mg famotidine at bedtime followed by administration of H. pylori in beef broth orally in the morning. Subjects are contacted daily for 14 days. A 13c-UBT is performed after 7 and 14 days and endoscopy with quantitative culture and histology after 2 weeks and 3 months. Antibiotics are used to eradicate the infection.

EXAMPLE 8 Development of External Chemical Marker for Detection of Wild Type and/or TSHP In Vivo

An example of a chemical marker that may be used for the detection of wild type or TSHP in vivo is sulfasalazine (SSN), the structure of which is shown in FIG. 4. Studies in germ free mice and conventional rats have shown that intestinal bacteria are solely responsible for the diazo-bond reduction, resulting in the reductive catabolism of SSN and the release of sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylate. The enzyme(s) which catalyses this reaction is referred to as diazoreductase(s) (synonym azoreductase(s)). Conventional rats given SSN excrete 5-aminosalicylate and sulfapyridine (and their respective conjugates) in urine and feces, whereas germ-free rats show no evidence of SSN degradation.

Several bacterial species have been shown to have diazoreductases (AZR's). Preliminary bioinformatic studies have indicated that H. pylori may not contain the AZR gene. The presence of similar analogous sequences has also produced a negative result. Under these circumstances a transgenic strain of H. pylori (TSHP) that has a viable and functional azoreductase (azr+TSHP) can be used to assess the use of these markers.

Plasmid pTM103-02 is digested by EcoRI and HindIII, and ligated with the Azoreductase (AZR) gene from Bacillus subtilis treated with EcoRI and HindIII to generate a vector containing both HopE 168aa and AZR named pTMI03-azr. This plasmid is transformed into E. coli to assess whether expression of HopE and the B. subtilis AZR occurs. pTMI02 when similarly treated with full-length hepatitis C core antigen (HCCA) demonstrated transport of HopE::HCCA to E. coli outer membrane employing western blots and anti-HopE Abs.

Mice (n=30) are infected with the azr+TSHP by gavage and once AZR expression in vivo to produce 5-aminosalicylate and sulfapyridine (and their respective conjugates) in urine and feces is established, human trials can begin.

EXAMPLE 9 Use of Diagnex Blue as a Marker

The diagnostic agent “diagnex blue” consists of an ion exchange resin (Amberlite XE-96) conjugated with a dye (Azure-A). This test relies on the fact that the resin-dye combination disassociates at pH less than 2.5 after which the dye is absorbed and appears in the urine. Persons without dye in the urine are achlorhydric. This principle is shown in FIG. 5.

The same principle can be used to test for H. pylori. For example, a dye-resin combination that disassociates at pH>7.0 could detect urease if the resin was given with urea. This would produce a pH>7.0 in the mucosal layer where H. pylori resides, thus releasing the dye.

Mice (n=30) are inoculated with a wild type H. pylori strain while germ-free mice (n=30) are used as controls (Pilot study). After an optimal period allowing for the H. pylori to establish an active infection, the test group and the controls are introduced with a predetermined quantity of the resin-dye complex by gavage. This will be followed by a urea solution. (Range 0.01M to 0.5M). The mice are kept in metabolic cages and the excretion of the azure dye are monitored and quantified. Different ratios of the resin and urea concentrations are tested to verify the optimal combinations to be used.

EXAMPLE 10 Delivery Formulations

For purposes of delivery forms, the present example is provided to demonstrate the utility of the present invention as providing an aerosol spray preparation. In some of these embodiments, the aerosol spray may take the form of pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant. In the case of a pressurized aerosol, the dosage unit can be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. The formulation would be prepared as a powder for administration by inhalation. Administration by inhalation can also be carried out by atomizing solutions or suspensions which contain the compositions according to the invention.

The compositions according to the invention may also be formulated in a liquid for oral digestion for administration to a subject as an intravenous preparation.

All of the various preparations of the invention may be prepared by procedures familiar to those skilled in the art, if appropriate, using further suitable pharmaceutical auxiliaries. Compositions according to the invention advantageously contain the species of Helicobacter, alone or in combination with other desired ingredients.

Any of the above individual or combination of Helicobacter formulations may be included in a pharmaceutical composition comprising the pharmaceutically acceptable composition according to the present invention. The pharmaceutical compositions as described herein may be in solid (e.g. powder, particles, granules, sachets, tablets, capsules etc.), semi-solid (gels, pastes etc.) or liquid (solutions, dispersions, suspensions, emulsions, mixtures etc) form and adapted for administration via e.g. the gastrointestinal tract and gastric mucosa. The pharmaceutical compositions may thus be in powder or particulate form adapted to be dispersed in an aqueous medium before use.

A pharmaceutical composition in liquid form may be in the form of a dispersion comprising the Helicobacter composition and an electrolyte solution such as, e.g. a composition that is adapted to physiological conditions e.g. a physiologically acceptable solution.

A pharmaceutical composition according to the invention may further comprise another therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical kit comprising a first and a second container, the first container comprising a recombinant Helicobacter composition comprising the plasmid and/or plasmid vector according to the invention and the second container comprising a dispersion medium for the Helicobacter composition, accompanied by instructions for administering and/or dosing the Helicobacter composition in the dispersion medium before use.

The Helicobacter composition according to the present invention contained in the kit may be in powder or particulate form.

A pharmaceutical kit according to the present invention may include instructions with recommendations for the time period during which the Helicobacter composition should be administered after dispersion in the dispersion medium.

EXAMPLE 11 Immune Modulation with Helicobacter—Vaccine Preparation

The TH1 response (T-helper cell type 1) is a cell mediated response. Over activity of this is a presumed cause of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Lupus. In contrast, TH-2 is an antibody type serological response characteristic of vaccines. The present example demonstrates the utility of the present invention for providing a technique for achieving a TH-2 type response in an animal when treated with a Helicobacter-based vaccine treatment preparation according to the present invention.

Although Helicobacter pylori produces an antibody response (TH2), it has been noted recently that the main response in the mucosa of the stomach may be a TH1 cell mediated response. Therefore, it is envisioned that the invention may provide for both types of immune response when provided to the mucosa of an animal.

Use of the Helicobacter vectors and vector plasmid systems as described herein may be used to invoke antibody response in an animal. By way of example, a system employing a gene expression cassette in a construct that provided for the transformation of the bacterium, Clostridium, and the subsequent secretion of a protein (S-layer protein) from the surface of the transformed Clostridium, this resulting in initiation of mucosal vaccination, is described in WO-0194599, which disclosure is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. These constructs may also include a secretory leader sequence selected from ORF1, ORF3, ORF5-7, ORF7 or ORF11.

In accordance with some embodiments of the vaccine, the Helicobacter-based vectors and vector plasmids may comprise a sequence encoding a bacterial surface layer protein. A surface layer protein is defined herein as any molecule of proteinaceous nature, including e.g., protein, glycol-protein or lipoprotein occurring in the outer membrane of a bacterium and capable of being exposed on the surface of the bacterium. S-layer proteins may be continuously and spontaneously produced in larger amounts than any other class of protein in the cell.

A process for preparation of a recombinant cell preparation comprising a gram negative host cell, Clostridium, having the S-layer protein, is also provided in WO-97/28263. The process may be modified and followed in accord with the procedures described herein to incorporate an S-protein as part of the Helicobacter constructs of the present invention.

Accordingly, in some of the vector and vector plasmid constructs, a fusion protein is provided that comprises a Helicobacter sequence and a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest. In order to enhance the immunogenicity of a vaccine employing the Helicobacter constructs of the present invention, the Helicobacter sequence of the fusion protein may comprise a sequence encoding an S-layer protein. Bacillus constructs that include the S-layer protein as part of a fusion protein have been reported to express the S-layer protein at the Bacillus surface. (See WO-95/19371, describing Bacillus sphaericus), thus enhancing the immunogenicity of the preparation.

Mucosal immunization is already provided against some diseases, including an oral polio vaccine and an oral (drinkable) vaccine against cholera and diarrhea due to E. coli (an inactivated vaccine). In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the vaccines of the invention may thus comprise an inactivated vaccine.

The present invention contemplates a live vaccine, as such will provide a single-dose, long lasting vaccination, because the carrier organism, Helicobacter, will continue to produce the antigen, i.e., non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest, and boost immunity in vivo. In addition, the vaccines will be administered in combination with an adjuvant. These adjuvants' comprise molecules such as aluminum hydroxide or lipid vesicles that increase the exposure time for the vaccine by slowing its removal forte site of administration. Adjuvants' also act by evoking production of immunomodulatory peptides called cytokines and chemokines (Brewer et al. 1997, J. Cytokines Cell Mol. Ther., 4:223-246). Thus, the present vaccines may comprise cytokine adjuvant to enhance immune response.

The transformed Helicobacter or E. coli bacterium, when administered orally or gastrically to a mammal such as a human or animal, will provide for the gastro-intestinal colonization, production and presentation of the desired polypeptide, through the gastric wall, which is the natural site of colonization. The gastro-intestinal tract is surrounded by an immense immune apparatus specialized in mounting immune response of various types. Gastro-intestinal colonization by recombinant Helicobacter vaccine or peptide producer strain thus enables a much longer immune stimulus than traditional vaccination. Additionally, antigen can be presented preferentially to the gut wall or the lumen.

EXAMPLE 12 Helicobacter and Uses thereof as an Appetite Suppressant

The present example is provided to demonstrate the utility of the present invention as a method for employing Helicobacter in preparations and treatment regimens that provide for appetite suppression. In particular, delivery to the gut mucosa of a construct that comprises attenuated Helicobacter together with a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest that regulates the level of ghrelin or an agonist of ghrelin, is expected to provide an effective means for providing suppression of the gut-brain axis that regulates appetite and satiety.

Studies have suggested that ghrelin is an appetite stimulant, i.e., ghrelin increases food intake in mice (Asakawa et al. 2003, Gut, 52(7):947-52). Ghrelin has also been reported to reduce fat utilization in adipose tissue in rodents (Tschop et al., 2000, Nature, 407: 708-13), as well as to be involved in rat adipogenesis (Choi et al. (2003), Endocrinology, 144 (3):751-9). Ghrelin has also been reported to be a hunger signal, prompting the subject to eat when nutrition availability is low.

The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,237—Bednarek (2005), relating to ghrelin analogs and nucleic acid constructs, and of United States Patent application publication 20050191317—Bachmann et al. (2005), relating to ghrelin-carrier conjugates, are specifically incorporated herein by reference insofar as these teaching supplement and/or further enhance the understanding and appreciation of the present invention.

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), stimulates growth hormone (GH) release from cultured pituitary cells in a dose-dependent manner, and is produced and secreted from the A-like cells found mainly in the oxyntic glands of the gastric fundus. Ghrelin is now known to play a role in not only GH release, but also in controlling the appetite and body weight.

Both parenterally and intracerebro-ventricularly administered ghrelin have been shown to stimulate food intake and increase the body weight of mice and rats with free access to food, even those animals with GH deficiency. The control of appetite and body weight may be independent of GH release.

Ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid peptide, is activated when its third serine residue is acylated by n-octanoic acid, and GHS-R is responsive to the first four or five residues including the octanylated serine residue of the whole ghrelin peptide. GHS-R has been shown to be present in the pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, thyroid, pancreas, myocardium, spleen and testes. Ghrelin stimulates the expression of both NPY and AGRP mRNA in the hypothalamus. The central orexigenic effect of ghrelin is mediated by the NPY/AGRP-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus. Ghrelin has also been reported to suppress vagal afferent activity. The peripheral orexigenic effect of ghrelin may be mediated, at least in part, by its suppressive effect on the vagal afferent activity. IL-1β is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that mediates the cachectic process by stimulating the expression and release of leptin, and/or by mimicking the effect on the hypothalamus of excessive negative-feedback signaling from leptin.

It is proposed that antagonists to ghrelin if provided to the animal at the gut mucosa will reduce food intake by an animal and reduce body weight gain.

EXAMPLE 13 Cell Wasting Attendant Cancer and AIDS

The present example demonstrates the utility of the present invention for use as a preparation that will prevent or inhibit cell wasting, particularly cell wasting associated with diseased states of AIDS and cancer.

Cachexia is a condition characterized by wasting, emaciation, feebleness and inanition. It was recently reported that the levels of both ghrelin peptide and ghrelin mRNA in the stomach were up-regulated in a mouse model of cancer cachexia. In cachectic mice with increased plasma levels of IL-1β, the plasma concentrations of ghrelin also increased with the progression of cachexia. This result suggests that a close relationship might exist between the ghrelin dynamics and the cachectic process mediated by IL-1. IL-1β is an anorexigenic substance, just like CCK, leptin, gastrin-related protein and bombesin, and antagonizes the actions of ghrelin.

Asakawa et al. reported that parenterally administered IL-1β decreased NPY mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and preproghrelin mRNA expression in the stomach, and that intraperitoneally administered ghrelin inhibited the severity of IL-1β-induced anorexia. Helicobacter pylori infection is known to be a major pathogenetic factor in the development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric malignancy. Attachment of H. pylori to the gastric mucosa induces inflammation, which is associated with the release of various cytokines, including IL-1β.

It has been observed clinically that H. pylori eradication is often followed by improvement of some nutritional parameters, such as the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total protein and albumin. H. pylori infection has been reported to be capable of modifying the plasma and gastric ghrelin dynamics in Mongolian gerbils. In humans, however, H. pylori infection has been reported not to be associated with any changes of the plasma ghrelin levels, although eradication of H. pylori has been shown by some to be associated with increases of the plasma ghrelin levels.

It is proposed that H. pylori may be used as a carrier to provide amylin to a patient in need thereof, by, for example, acting as a carrier vehicle, to the gastric mucosa. In some embodiments, the Helicobacter carrier will be constructed so as to include amylin, amylin agonist, analogs, and derivatives, and amylin agonists (including calcitonins, calcitonin gene-related peptides), and analogs therefore to decrease ghrelin levels.

Amylin antagonists can increase ghrelin levels. Modulation of the effective levels of amylin, with amylin, amylin agonists, amylin antagonists, or other compounds that decrease the effective level of amylin such as antibodies, may inhibit, or stimulate in the case of antagonists and antibodies, ghrelin secretion. Hence, some embodiments of the method are directed to modulating endogenous levels of ghrelin by increasing the effective level of amylin or amylin agonists in the body, by direct or indirect means, or by decreasing the effective level of amylin using amylin antagonists or inhibiting amylin production.

EXAMPLE 14 Treatment of Gauchers Disease

The present example demonstrates the utility of the invention for use as a treatment for a disease resulting from an enzyme deficiency, such as Gaucher's disease. Gaucher's disease is the most common lysosomal storage disorder in humans, and results from a deficiency of the enzyme, glucocerebrosidae (GC). (Nolta et al., (1992), J. Clin. Invest. 90 (2):342-348).

Enzyme replacement therapy is provided with a Helicobacter vaccine construct that comprises a sequence encoding chemical chaperones. (Sawker et al., (2002), PNAS USA 99(24): 15428-15433). An enhanced level of functional β-glycosidase (β-Glu, glucocerebrosidase) may thus be obtained. In particular, the chemical chaperone deoxynojirimycin (NN-DNJ) is to be used in the H. pylori construct and administered to the patient orally or intragastrically.

As part of yet another embodiment of the methods, a Helicobacter-based construct as described herein comprising a vector having a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest, in this case, encoding glucocerebrosidase (GC). Retroviral mediated transfer of glucocerebrosidase cultured Gaucher bone marrow is described as one approach for treating Gauchers disease in Nolta et al. (1992). However, this approach is extremely invasive. Alternative enzyme replacement therapy employing the Helicobacter-based constructs of the invention that include a sequence encoding for the deficient enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, provides a much more attractive and less expensive alternative to such a therapy.

EXAMPLE 15 Treatment of Lymphoma

The present example is presented to demonstrate the utility of the present invention to provide a useful preparation that is suitable for treating and/or inhibiting a bacterial induced malignancy, such as lymphoma, particularly MALT lymphoma, using a vaccination preparation comprising the Helicobacter vector and/or plasmid vectors as described herein.

Sutton et al. (2004) (Vaccine, 22 (20): 2541-6) report protection against a bacteria-induced malignancy, specifically primary gastric MALT lymphoma, as a result of vaccination/immunization of an animal against Helicobacter felis.

Helicobacter pylori constructs of the present disclosure that include a vector and/or plasmid vector suitable for providing an immunizing preparation that includes an immunogenic antigen of interest other than Helicobacter felis, may also be used to provide vaccination protection against a bacterial-induced malignancy, and in particular, against primary gastric MALT lymphoma. By way of example, some embodiments of the plasmid vector would include a fusion protein comprising a Helicobacter pylori encoding sequence and a non-Helicobacter pylori encoding sequence that is, for example, other than a Helicobacter felis antigen species.

Example 16 Live Vaccine Delivery System with H. pylori

The present example demonstrates the utility of using H. pylori in a live vaccine, and in particular the use of H. pylori as part of a live viral preparation to deliver a protein of interest to the gastric mucosa of an animal. In particular, the present example demonstrates the utility of the present invention for providing delivery of an antigen of interest to an animal at the gastric mucosa though the outer surface of a recombinant Helicobacter pylori outer membrane.

The present studies were primarily done with H. pylori strain B128, variant 7.13 (Franco et al. (2005). The sacB cassette, conferring sucrose sensitivity and kanamycin resistance, was inserted into the hopE gene of H. pylori.

H. pylori is demonstrated herein to be a useful vehicle for vaccine delivery, and provides an improved bacterial delivery modality for the treatment of an animal, particularly a human. Factors important in establishing the utility of the H. pylori based vaccines in the treatment of humans include the following:

-   1. A majority of persons infected with H. pylori are asymptomatic; -   2. infection with H. pylori induces both adaptive and innate immune     responses; -   3. Infection with H. pylori can persist in the gastric mucosa,     facilitating long-term exposure to antigens; -   4. Infection with H. pylori produces molecules that disrupt the     gastric epithelium, thereby facilitating exposure of bacteria to the     submucosal immune system; -   5. Genome data and molecular techniques are readily available for H.     pylori, thereby facilitating its genetic manipulation.

HopE is an outer membrane protein of H. pylori. The present example demonstrates that the nucleic acid sequence encoding this protein can be modified so as to include a desired sequence encoding a molecule of interest (“X”), and H. pylori containing this modified HopE—sequence may then be used in a vaccine to deliver the molecule of interest (“X”) to the mucosal surface of an animal.

In the present example, the p60 protein and the HCCA protein are used to demonstrate proof of principle of delivery, and are simple examples of proteins that may be used to provide such an engineered H. pylori HopE gene.

Methods

Bacterial Strains and Culture

Helicobacter pylori strain B128 (7.13) (52) or 26695 (64) were cultured on Columbia agar (Oxoid, Basingstoke, United Kingdom) supplemented with 5% horse blood and incubated under microaerophilic conditions (10% CO2) at 37° C. H. pylori were transformed by natural transformation (65,66). Transformants were selected using chloramphenicol (10 μg/mL) or kanamycin (10 μg/mL). Escherichia coli strain DH5-α (67) was grown in LuriaBertani (LB) medium at 37° C. and transformed by electroporation (68). Transformants were selected using 5% (w/v) sucrose, kanamycin (50 ug/mL) or ampicillin (100 ug/mL). Genomic DNA was extracted using the DNeasy Tissue Kit (Quiagen). Plasmid extractions were performed using the QIAprep Spin Miniprep Kit (Quiagen).

Construction of Recombinant DNA Molecules

Recombinant DNA molecules were constructed by assembling individual PCR products using splicing by overlap extension (SOE) PCR (69). Primers were designed to introduce overlaps of 12 bp at the termini of PCR products, allowing the products to be joined together during PCR (FIG. 8). All preparative amplifications were performed using Pwo polymerase (Roche Pharmaceuticals).

Recombinant DNA was constructed to insert a chloramphenicol resistance gene into hopE. A region including a section of, and extending upstream, of hopE was amplified using the primers HopEF3 and HopER3 (Product A). The opa promoter and chloramphenicol resistance gene were amplified from pHe12 (70) using primers CATF and CATR (Product B). A region including a section of, and extending downstream of hopE was amplified using the primers HopEF4 and HopER5. Products A, B, and C were joined together using primers HopEF3 and HopER5 as described by Chalker and associates (69).

Allelic replacements were achieved using the sacB based selection system (71). The sacB cassette, conferring sucrose sensitivity and kanamycin resistance, was inserted into the gene of interest. Recombinant DNA was transferred into sucrose-sensitive H. pylori. Transformants were sucrose resistant, resulting from replacement of sacB with transforming DNA.

The sacB cassette was joined to hopE DNA in a number of stages. Firstly, the hopE gene was amplified using the primers HopEF6 and HopER6. Purified amplicon was digested Nco1 and Bgl11 (Roche Pharmaceuticals). Amplicon and similarly digested pBADMyc-HisB (Invitrogen Life Technologies) were ligated using the Quick-stick Ligation Kit (Bioline) and transferred to E.coli, producing plasmid pBAD1. Secondly, a region of DNA, including 804 bp of the intergenic region between hopE and the downstream putative mraW gene (coding 5-S-adenosylmethyltransferase), was amplified using primers HopEF7 and HopER7. Purified amplicon was digested with Bgl11 and Xba11, ligated to similarly digested pBAD1, and transferred to E. coli to produce plasmid pBAD2. Lastly the sacB cassette was amplified from pENKSF (59) using the primers KanSacF and KanSacR. The amplicon and pBAD2 were digested with Bgl11, ligated and transferred to E.coli to produce plasmid pBAD3.

Similarly the sacB cassette was inserted into cagA and vacA. For cagA, in the first stage the region directly downstream of cagA was amplified using primers cagAF2 and cagAR2 and digested with Xba1 and Bgl11. In the second stage a section of cagA extending to the 3′ end was amplified using primers cagAF1 and cagAR1 and digested with Bgl11 and Nco1. In the final stage, the sacB cassette was excised from pBAD3 using BgI11, and inserted into similarly digested pBADMyc-HisB. For vacA, in the first stage a section including the C-terminal region of vacA was amplified using primers vacAF4 and vacAR4, and digested with Hind111 and Xba1. The fragment was cloned into similarly digested pUC19 to produce pUC1. Secondly, a section of DNA including the N-terminal region of vacA was amplified using primers vacAF3 and vacAR3, and digested with EcoR1 and Kpn1. The fragment was cloned into similarly digested pUC1 to produce pUC2. Lastly, the sacB cassette was amplified using the primers KanSacF and KanSacR, and digested with BgI11 to produce pUC3.

Recombinant molecules were constructed to insert DNA coding antigenic sections of the Hepatitis C virus core antigen (HCCA) or L. monocytogenes p60 protein into hopE, replacing the sacB cassette. Recombinant DNA was produced using SOE PCR, joining PCR products A, B and C. A region extending from the start of hopE to nt 573 was amplified using primers HopEF8 and HopER1 (product A). The region of sequence coding HCCA antigen from aa 7-53 was produced by amplifying primers HCCAF1, HCV.2a, HCV3.s, HCCAR1 (product B). The region downstream of hopE nt 573 was amplified using HopEF2 and HopER8 (product C). Product resulting form SOE PCR was cloned into plasmid pCR4Blunt-TOPO (Invitrogen Life Technologies) to produce pCR4HCH.

Similarly DNA coding sections of the p60 antigen was inserted into hopE and cagA. For hopE, the region extending from the start of hopE to nt 573 was amplified using primers HopEF8 and HopER9 (product A). The p60 antigen was produced by annealing primers Lmp60F2 and Lmp60R2 (product B). The region directly downstream of hopE nt 573 was amplified using primers HopEF9 and HopER8 (product C). Product resulting form SOE PCR was cloned into Sma1 digested pUC19 plasmid to produce pUCHLm. For cagA, a region, including the 3′end of cagA was amplified using primers CagAF6 and CagER6 (product A). The p60 antigen was produced by annealing primers Lmp60F2 and Lmp60R2 (product B). The region directly downstream of cagA was amplified using cagAF6 and cagAR8 (product C). Product resulting from SOE PCR was cloned into Sma1 digested pUC19 to produce pUCCLm.

For vacA, a region of vacA was amplified from strain 26695, including the gene promoter and signal sequence, using primers vacAF1 and vacAR1 (product 1). The p60 antigen was produced by annealing primers Lmp60F3 and Lmp60R3 (product B). A section of vacA including the region coding the autotransporter and mature VacA was amplified using vacAF2 and vacAR2 (product C). Product resulting form SOE PCR digested with XbaI and Kpn1, and cloned into similarly digested pUC2 to produce pUCVLm.

Western Blot Analysis

To determine if recombinant bacteria produced a fusion between HopE and the antigenic epitope, Western Blot analyses was performed

H. pylori were harvested from a 24 h blood agar into HEPES (pH 7.4) and were pelleted by centrifugation at 4500 rcf for 5 min and were disrupted by sonication. Lysate was centrifuged at 4500 rcf for 5 min to pellet unlysed bacteria, which were discarded. To harvest the total membrane fraction, the supernatant was centrifuged at 100 000 rcf for 60 min. All procedures were performed at 4° C. Samples were resuspended in HEPES buffer and added to an equal volume to Laemmli buffer. Proteins were separated in a 12% Tris-HCI Ready Gel (BioRad) by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyaccrylamde gel electrophoresis (PAGE) before electro-transfer to 0.45 pM nitrocellulose (Biorad). For the detection of HopE and other proteins, membranes were blocked with 10% or 5% non-fat dairy milk (NFDM) in Tris buffered saline (TBS) pH 7.4. Membranes were probed with primary antibodies or secondary antibodies in 1% NFDM in TBS. Polyclonal rabbit anti-HopE antibody was donated (Astra Zenica) and used at a dilution of 2:4000. Monoclonal mouse anti-p60 (K3A7) was donated (University of Wurzburg, Germany) and was used at a dilution of 2:4000. Mouse anti-HCCA (C7-50; Sigma) was at a dilution of 2:4000. Secondary antibodies were conjugated to alkaline phosphatase, and were detected using nitro blue tetrazolium chloride/5-Bromo-4-chloro3-indolyl phosphatase solution (Roche Applied Science).

Immuno-Based Assays of Surface Localization

H. pylori were harvested from a 24 h blood agar plate into phosphate buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.4). Bacteria were rinsed a total of 3 times and standardized to and OD (600 nm) of 0.5. Rinsed bacteria were bound to a poly-L-lysine coated chamber slide overnight at 4° C. Bound bacteria were fixed with 0.25% glutaraldehyde, which was subsequently blocked with 100 mM glycine buffer. Between subsequent steps, slides were rinsed three times in PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20 (PBST). Slides were locked with 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) in PBST for 2 h at 37° C. Primary antibodies were diluted 1:200 in PBST containing 1% BSA and incubated for 1.5 h at room temperature. Secondary antibodies conjugated to Alexafluor 488 were diluted 1:400 in PBST and incubated for 2 h at 37° C. Slides were rinsed and surface bound antibodies were detected using fluorescence microscopy. Whole cell based ELISA was performed similarly to indirect immuno-fluorescence studies with the following exceptions: bacteria were bound to Maxisorp (Nunc) plates either overnight or for 1 hr at 4° C.; primary antibody was diluted 1:300; secondary antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase was diluted 1:1000; nitrophenyl phosphate (Sigma) was used as a substrate for detection at 405 nm using a microtiter plate reader.

Results

Construction of Recombinant H. pylori

Recombinant H. pylori B128 (7.13) or 26695 were produced that harbored the sacB cassette in either the hopE, cagA or vacA gene. The sacB cassette was replaced with DNA coding antigens at specific positions within these genes. Both HCCA and p60 antigen DNA were inserted into hopE at a position corresponding to amino acid 168 of mature HopE, within a putative loop structure (51). p60 antigen DNA was also inserted directly upstream of the cagA stop codon, corresponding the C-terminal of CagA. Fusions of VacA and antigenic proteins were performed in strain B128 (7.13), which does not produce VacA. p60 antigen DNA was joined to the 26695 promoter, signal sequence and autotransporter DNA, prior to insertion into B128 (7.13) vacA.

Analysis of Fusion Proteins and Surface Presentation

To date only HopE fused to HCCA or p60 antigens were analyzed. Western Blot analysis of H. pylori B128 producing the HCCA (B128:HCCA:hopE) or p60 antigen (B128:p60:hopE) DNA inserted into hopE showed that the antigens were fused to HopE (FIG. 9). Specifically, analyses performed using the anti-HopE antibody showed that in recombinant H. pylori native HopE (about 31 kDa) was replaced with either HopE fused to either p60 antigen (about 32 kDa) or HCCA (about 35 kDa). Further analysis using antigen specific antibodies detected similar sized proteins.

To examine surface presentation, two indirect immuno-based assays of surface localization were employed. Immuno fluorescence based microscopy analysis of H. pylori B128:HCCA:hopE indicated surface presentation of HopE fused to the HCCA (FIG. 10). However, surface localization of HopE fused to p60 antigen could not be confirmed. These results were confirmed by whole cell based ELISA analysis (FIG. 11B). The p60 antigen was only detected using this method after overnight binding of bacteria to ELISA plates (FIG. 11A).

Studies in this example were done primarily with H. pylori strain B128, variant 7.13 (Franco, 2005)(52). The sacB cassette, conferring sucrose sensitivity and kanamycin resistance, was inserted into the hopE gene of H. pylori. DNA coding the HCCA or p60 epitope was joined to hopE using Splicing by Overlapping Extension (SOE) PCR. Recombinant DNA was transferred into sucrose-sensitive H. pylori using natural transformation and homologous recombination. Recombinant H. pylori was sucrose resistant, resulting from replacement of sacB with transforming DNA.

The following oligonucleotide primers presented in Table 1 were used in the assays described herein (SEQ ID NOS 10-54, respectively in order of appearance):

TABLE 1 Oligonucleotide Primers: Primer Sequence CagAF1 AAAACCATGGATTTCAGTAGGGTAGAGCAA cagAF11 ATCAAGAAAGAATTGAATGAGA CagAF2 AAAAAGATCTAGGATTAAGGAATACCAAAAACGCA CagAF6 ACCGAA TAAAGGATTAAGGAATACCAAA CagAR1 AAAAAGATCTTTAAGATTTTTGGAAACCACCTT CagAR2 AAAATCTAGAGGTTATTTTAGGTTGCACGCATTTT CagAR6 AGCTTCAGATTTTTGGAAACCACCTT CagAR8 GTTATTTTAGGTTGCACGCATT CATF TTTTAATCCGCCATATTGTGTTGAA CATR AAGGGTCGTTTAAGGGCACCAATAACT HCCAF1 GGTCCTCAGCGGAAGACGAAGCGTAATACAAACAGGAGACCA CA HCCAR1 AACATCGCTGGTTTTGCGAGTTGCTCTTACCCCCAAACG HCV2.a CCACCGACTATTTGACCCCCTCCAGGAAATTTAACATCTTGT GGTCTCCT HCV3.s ATAGTCGGTGGCGTGTATTTACTACCCAGGCGAGGACCGCGT TTGGGGGT HopEF1 AAAAAGATCTAATGGAATTTATGAAAAAGTTTGTAGCT HopEF2 ACCAGCGATGTTTGTACCCCTACTTATTGTAACCCTAA HopEF3 AATGGAATTTATGAAAAAGTTTGTAGCT HopEF4 TAAACGACCCTTTAAAAGGGTGTCTTTA HopEF6 AAAACCATGGATGGAATTTATGAAAAAGTTTGTAGC HopEF7 AAAAAGATCTTAAACCCTTTAAAAGGGTGTCTT HopEF8 ATGGAATTTATGAAAAAGTTTGTAGC HopEF9 ACCGAAGATGTTTGTACCCCTACTTATTG HopER1 CCGCTGAGGACCCTTAGCTTCAATGA HopER3 GGCGGATTAAAAAGTGTAGTTATACCCTAAA HopER5 CGGCTTGAAACACCAAAGTC HopER6 AAAAAGATCTAAAAGTGTAGTTATACCCTAAATAA HopER7 AAAATCTAGACTTCTGGGCTTGGAGTGATG HopER8 CTTCTGGGCTTGGAGTGATG HopER9 AGCTTCAGGACCCTTAGCTTCAATGATT KanSacF AAAAAGATCTCGAACCATTTGAGGTGATAG KanSacR AAAAAGATCTTATAGCCCATTTTCATGCTCTT Lmp60F1 GGTCCTGAAGCTGCTAAACCTGCTCCTGCTCCTAGCACCAAT CAACAACAAACCGCTCCTAAAGCTCCTACCGAAGATGTT Lmp60F2 AAATCTGAAGCTGCTAAACCTGCTCCTGCTCCTAGCACCAAT CAACAACAAACCGCTCCTAAAGCTCCTACCGAATAAAGG Lmp60F3 CATGCCGAAGCTGCTAAACCTGCTCCTGCTCCTAGCACCAAT CAACAACAAACCGCTCCTAAAGCTCCTACCGAACCCGAC Lmp60R1 AACATCTTCGGTAGGAGCTTTAGGAGCGGTTTGTTGTTGATT GGTGCTAGGAGCAGGAGCAGGTTTAGCAGCTTCAGGACC Lmp60R2 CCTTTATTCGGTAGGAGCTTTAGGAGCGGTTTGTTGTTGATT GGTGCTAGGAGCAGGAGCAGGTTTAGCAGCTTCAGATTT Lmp60R3 GTCGGGTTCGGTAGGAGCTTTAGGAGCGGTTTGTTGTTGATT GGTGCTAGGAGCAGGAGCAGGTTTAGCAGCTTCGGCATG vacAF1 AAAGGTACCAAAGCCGATAGCATCAGAGAA vacAF2 ACCGAACCCGACAATTACAAGTATCTTAT vacAF3 AAAGAATTCAATTTGGTTTCAAGCTCAAATCAGA vacAF4 AAATCTAGAACTACATCTGCCACTAATGTGAA vacAR1 AGCTTCGGCATGACTTTGTTGCGGTGTGAT vacAR2 AAATCTAGATTAGAAACTATACCTCATTCCTA vacAR3 AAAGGTACCGAGCTTGTTGATATTGACTTTGT vacAR4 AAAAAGCTTCATTCTCAGTAGGCGTAGAAT

TABLE 2 Strains of H. pylori used and developed: Strain Antigen DNA Inserted Insertion Site Designation B128 (7.13) B128 (7.13) B128 (7.13) p60 hopE B128:p60:hopE B128 (7.13) HCCA hopE B128:HCCA:hopE B128 (7.13) p60 vacA B128:p60:vacA 26695 26659 26695 p60 hopE 26695:p60:hopE 26695 HCCA hopE 26695:HCCA:hopE 26695 p60 cagA 26695:p60:cagA

Natural transformation of H. pylori strain B128 yielded recombinant bacteria which produced hopE fused to either p60 or HCCA DNA as confirmed by sequence analysis. Resulting fusion proteins were larger than unaltered HopE (FIG. 8). Confirmation of HCCA surface localization was shown using fluorescence microscopy (FIG. 9), and was corroborated by results from whole cell based ELISA analysis.

All documents, patents, journal articles and other materials cited in the present application are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunction with several embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The references listed below as well as all references cited in the Specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they supplement, explain, provide a background for or teach methodology, techniques and/or compositions employed herein.

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1. A method of immunizing a human comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising a Helicobacter cell comprising a nucleic acid comprising: (i) at least one non-Helicobacter sequence encoding a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest linked to a secretory signal peptide; and (ii) a regulatory sequence capable of controlling expression of the non-Helicobacter sequence in the Helicobacter cell, wherein the Helicobacter cell is not a DapE mutant strain; and (b) administering to the human an amount of the composition, wherein the Helicobacter cell chronically colonizes the mucosa of said human and the non-Helicobacter sequence encoding a non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest is expressed sufficient to elicit an immunologically detectable response against said non-Helicobacter pharmacologically active molecule of interest.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the immunologically detectable response is the production of antibodies.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered at the mucosal surface of the human.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the administering comprises one or more sequential doses of the composition.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the regulatory sequence is selected from the group consisting of an arabinose inducible promoter, Helicobacter pylori histidine kinase HP 165 promoter, T7 promoter, and FlaB sigma 54 promoter.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said Helicobacter cell is a Helicobacter pylori cell.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid is in a plasmid vector. 